FG Urges Flood Prone Communities in 11 States to Evacuate
The Federal Ministry of Environment has sounded the alarm over possible flooding in several parts of the country following predictions of heavy rainfall between September 14 and 18, 2025.
In a notice issued on Sunday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEWS Centre) and signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, the federal government cautioned residents in flood-prone areas to take preventive measures, including evacuation where necessary.
According to the advisory, the states expected to experience flooding include Adamawa, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Delta, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara.
Communities particularly highlighted as being at risk are Ganye and Natubi in Adamawa; Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam in Benue; Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo in Nasarawa; and Beli, Serti and Donga in Taraba. Others include Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika in Delta; Rijau in Niger; Ribah in Kebbi; Gwarzo and Karaye in Kano; Jibia in Katsina; Makira in Sokoto; and Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu in Zamfara.
The ministry explained that the alert became necessary due to rising water levels in major rivers across the country. It noted that the River Gongola, River Benue and River Niger have swollen significantly, posing a serious threat to communities along their flood plains. Specifically, residents living along the Gongola flood plain up to Numan, the flood plain of River Benue, and the flood plain of River Niger stretching to Lokoja were strongly advised to evacuate to safer areas.
Bokani emphasised that the warning was part of proactive efforts by the federal government to reduce loss of lives and property during the peak of the rainy season.
He urged state governments, local authorities and emergency management agencies to activate response mechanisms and sensitise residents on the dangers of disregarding evacuation orders.
The ministry further advised individuals in the affected states to remain alert, monitor official updates and avoid risky activities such as attempting to cross flooded roads or waterways. It stressed that early compliance with evacuation advisories would help minimise the impact of the anticipated flooding.
This latest warning comes amid growing concerns about the vulnerability of many Nigerian communities to climate-induced flooding, which in recent years has displaced thousands of families, destroyed farmlands, and disrupted economic activities.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening flood management systems and called on residents to prioritise safety over property in the coming days.
