BREAKING: FG Lists All 30 States in Nigeria Predicted to Experience Heavy Flooding, Mentions the Months
The Federal Government of Nigeria announced the likelihood of heavy flooding affecting approximately 1,249 communities within 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between April and November.
This revelation came during the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja, with the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, spearheading discussions.
States at high flood risk identified
In his presentation, Professor Utsev identified high flood-risk states, including 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. Coastal and riverine areas, such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo, were highlighted as particularly vulnerable due to rising sea levels and tidal surges, affecting fishing, wildlife habitats, and river navigation.
Flooding: An accelerating natural disaster
Professor Utsev emphasised that flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most devastating natural disasters, with climate change accelerating its severity and frequency.
Flash and urban flooding are expected in major cities due to intense rainfall combined with inadequate drainage systems and flood resilience infrastructure.
However, the minister assured that, unlike some other natural disasters, flooding can be effectively mitigated through proper planning and infrastructure development.
Tailored forecasts have been developed for specific communities to enhance preparedness and communication at the grassroots level.
NIHSA advocates science-driven flood management
During the event, NIHSA’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, presented the AFO’s updated methodology, which now pinpoints individual communities at risk, rather than just LGAs.
This approach was developed through continuous feedback, technological advancements, and multi-agency collaboration.
Mr. Mohammed stated, “We are transforming flood data into real-time decisions and impactful resilience-building. Our focus has expanded to assess sectoral impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, offering more robust tools to policymakers and disaster risk managers.”
Early response as a priority
Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, urged stakeholders to prioritise early responses to protect lives and livelihoods, depicting the importance of the AFO’s findings in Nigeria’s flood management strategy.
The unveiling of the 2025 AFO marks a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to address flooding through science-driven planning and community empowerment.
As Nigeria braces for the months ahead, the focus remains on preparedness and resilience to reduce the impact of this natural disaster.
NIMET releases 2025 climate prediction
Themed ‘The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’, the SCP document predicts significant rainfall events at the beginning of 2025, with these rains likely to precede the onset.
