The Federal Government has raised alarms about the impending threat of heavy flooding in Nigeria, forecasting that 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will be affected between April and November 2025.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made the announcement at the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the minister, high-risk flood states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers, and others along Nigeria’s coastlines and river systems.
“Flooding remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in Nigeria,” Utsev remarked.
He highlighted that climate change is escalating the frequency and intensity of these floods, particularly in coastal and riverine areas such as Bayelsa, Lagos, and Rivers.
“The rise in sea levels and tidal surges will severely impact fishing, wildlife habitats, and river navigation,” Utsev added.
The 2025 flood outlook shows a divided risk level across the nation, with 1,249 communities falling under the high-risk category and 2,187 communities under moderate risk. Flash and urban flooding are particularly predicted for major cities, due to high rainfall, inadequate drainage systems, and poor flood resilience infrastructure.
NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, emphasized that this year’s forecast is more refined and community-specific, thanks to advances in technology and collaboration with various agencies. “We are transforming flood data into real-time decisions and actionable resilience-building,” Mohammed stated.
The outlook urges immediate response planning, as the flooding could affect various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has called on stakeholders to prioritize flood mitigation strategies and early response measures to protect lives and livelihoods.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah underscored, “This outlook isn’t just about numbers; it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.”