The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a warning that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been alerted about heavy flood water this year.
During the official presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasized the severity of the situation across the country as the rains set for its downpour. He stated that floods are among the most devastating natural disasters, impacting lives, property, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The states identified in the high-risk category include:
- Abia
- Adamawa
- Akwa Ibom
- Anambra
- Bauchi
- Bayelsa
- Benue
- Borno
- Cross River
- Delta
- Ebonyi
- Edo
- FCT
- Gombe
- Imo
- Jigawa
- Kebbi
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Lagos
- Nasarawa
- Niger
- Ogun
- Ondo
- Osun
- Oyo
- Plateau
- Rivers
- Sokoto
- Taraba
Prof. Utsev urged state and local governments to take proactive measures, including clearing drainages and sensitizing communities, to reduce the impact of the predicted floods.
The Director General of NIHSA, Clement Nze, explained that the flood outlook was developed through analysis of rainfall patterns, soil moisture, and other hydrological parameters. He said the forecast is intended to serve as an early warning tool to guide government agencies, emergency responders, and the general public.
According to the agency, the forecast is divided into three categories: high flood risk areas, moderate risk, and low risk. While 30 states fall under the high-risk bracket, others still face moderate or low chances of flooding depending on regional weather conditions.
Nze also encouraged all stakeholders—especially those in vulnerable communities—to take the forecast seriously and prepare accordingly.
The annual flood outlook is part of the government’s broader climate adaptation and disaster risk management strategy. It aims to help minimize the loss of lives and property during Nigeria’s rainy season, which is expected to peak between June and September.
