As the 2025 rainy season begins, the Federal Government has raised concerns over widespread flood risks across the country, warning that over 1,200 communities may face severe flooding.
According to the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), launched on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, a total of 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas (LGAs) in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fall under high flood risk zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs across all 36 states and the FCT are at moderate risk.
The high-risk states 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.
Breaking down the forecast by timeframe, Prof. Utsev said:
- April–June: 666 communities in 52 LGAs across 14 states are at high risk.
- July–September: 549 communities in 114 LGAs across 30 states.
- October–November: 489 communities in 56 LGAs across 13 states.
Moderate flooding is expected in:
- 445 communities (April–June)
- 1,458 communities (July–September)
- 1,473 communities (October–November)
Urban centers are also vulnerable due to poor drainage infrastructure and lack of flood-resilient planning.
Prof. Utsev emphasized that flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most destructive natural disasters, now worsened by climate change. He explained that the AFO is split into three key publications:
- Flood Forecast – outlines expected flood scenarios for 2025.
- Flood Risk Communication – guides how to communicate and act on flood warnings.
- Flood Mitigation and Adaptation – outlines necessary actions to reduce flood impacts.
Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, urged stakeholders to act quickly, noting that the data is intended to save lives and property.
NIHSA Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the 2025 forecast goes beyond general mapping to pinpoint vulnerable communities and assess sectoral impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. He highlighted the integration of new technologies and collaboration among agencies to improve decision-making and response.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) assured it has activated its early warning system. According to spokesperson Ezekiel Manzo, NEMA will also deploy advanced emergency support tools to manage flood risks more effectively.
He urged the public not to panic but to take warnings seriously and act proactively to minimize potential disasters.
