As the rainy season approaches, 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have initiated proactive measures to prevent flooding expected to affect 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas. The steps include public sensitisation, dredging water channels, and relocating communities in high-risk areas.
On Thursday, the Federal Government warned that heavy flooding will occur between April and November. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, revealed this while unveiling the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja.
Utsev listed the high-risk states as 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.
He stressed that flooding, worsened by climate change, remains one of Nigeria’s most destructive natural disasters. Coastal and riverine areas such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo are especially vulnerable due to rising sea levels and tidal surges, which threaten fishing, wildlife, and river navigation.
According to the AFO, 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs across 30 states and the FCT are at high flood risk, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in all 36 states and the FCT are at moderate risk. Urban and flash floods are also anticipated in major cities due to intense rainfall, poor drainage systems, and inadequate flood resilience.
Utsev emphasized that with adequate planning and infrastructure, flood impacts can be mitigated. The 2025 forecast now offers community-specific predictions to improve local preparedness and action.
The Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, urged stakeholders to prioritise early response, highlighting that the outlook is about saving lives and livelihoods.
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, noted that the improved forecast now pinpoints specific communities at risk. He added that the updated methodology reflects technological advancements and inter-agency collaboration, enabling real-time decision-making and stronger resilience-building. It also considers sectoral impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
In response to the forecast, several states have taken concrete actions:
Anambra State:
The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency alerted residents in flood-prone LGAs. Deputy Publicity Secretary Uche Okalawan said the state has begun clearing drainages and evacuating obstructive structures. Ten LGAs—Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East and West, Onitsha South and North, Awka North, Idemili South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala—are identified as high-risk. Camps for displaced persons remain active, and residents have been urged to contact local emergency committees if necessary.
Kwara State:
The state is expanding river courses, especially Asa River in Ilorin, a major cause of past flooding. Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, said the government has warned residents in flood-prone areas like Ilorin, Patigi, Edu, and Moro to relocate. Measures such as constructing dykes and dredging waterways are ongoing.
Ogun State:
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said local governments have been directed to implement state flood alerts. Communities have been told to clean drainages and avoid blocking waterways. The government is dredging the Ogun River and opening tributaries to enhance water flow. Collaboration is also ongoing with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority to manage water releases during peak flood periods in September and October. At-risk communities have been advised to elevate structures or evacuate in advance.
Gombe State:
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Water Environment and Forest Resources, Amos Fabulous, outlined ongoing efforts to prepare for the rains, though specific measures were not detailed.
These combined efforts underscore a nationwide push to minimise the impact of expected floods, protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure
