The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has issued a warning of heavy rains and potential flooding in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as outlined in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) presented by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
According to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, the flood outlook reveals a rising threat of coastal and riverine flooding, especially in parts of the South-South geopolitical zone due to an increase in sea levels. States like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers are among those expected to experience significant flooding, while Akwa Ibom and Edo fall under the high-flood risk category.
States at High Flood Risk in 2025
The high-risk states identified include:
Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.
Utsev emphasized that climate change continues to escalate the frequency and severity of flood disasters in Nigeria, describing flooding as one of the most devastating natural threats to the country’s social and economic stability.
In a new strategy to improve early warning systems, this year’s AFO introduces a community-based flood forecasting model. This approach shifts from general state-level predictions to community-specific alerts, enabling more targeted emergency response and preparedness.
According to NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, the agency now focuses on sectoral impacts of flooding spanning health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure—to offer data-driven tools for disaster risk management and policy planning.
The 2025 AFO identifies:
- 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) under high flood risk
- 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs facing moderate flood risk
Notable high-risk areas include Abia, Benue, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Jigawa.
Richard Pheelangwah, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, called on stakeholders to take the warning seriously:
“This outlook isn’t just about numbers; it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.”
He urged state governments, emergency agencies, and local authorities to initiate proactive measures, such as clearing drainages, sensitizing communities, and mobilizing first responders ahead of the predicted rains.
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