FG Issues Fresh Flood Alert for 16 States, 39 Communities

The Federal Ministry of Environment has raised a new alarm over possible heavy rainfall and flash floods expected to hit parts of 16 states between October 4 and 8, 2025.

The warning, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre and signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, highlights 39 flood-prone locations likely to be impacted.

According to the advisory, vulnerable areas include Asaba (Delta); Damaturu (Yobe); Isa (Sokoto); Anka, Bungudu, Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun and Shinkafi (Zamfara); Jibia (Katsina); Kisi and Oyo (Oyo); Ribah, Sakaba and Yelwa (Kebbi); Gwarzo, Sumaila and Karaye (Kano); Kontagora, Mashegu, Mokwa, New-Bussa, Rijau and Wushishi (Niger); Kosubosu (Kwara); Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Katsina-Ala and Ugba (Benue); Briyel (Borno); Brass, Ikpidiama and Odoni (Bayelsa); Edor and Ikom (Cross River); Itu and Ahoada (Rivers); and Nsukka (Enugu).

The ministry urged state governments, local councils, and disaster management agencies to activate preventive measures, clear drainage systems, and sensitize residents in vulnerable communities.

“The predicted flooding could have serious consequences if proactive steps are not taken,” the statement noted, warning that emergency response mechanisms should be on standby throughout the period.

Data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) shows the scale of the flooding challenge this year. As of September 20, at least 232 people had died and over 121,000 displaced across various parts of the country.

In total, 339,658 Nigerians have been affected by floods in 2025, while 681 others have sustained varying degrees of injury.

Experts have repeatedly warned that climate change, poor urban planning, and blocked waterways continue to worsen flood disasters across Nigeria despite repeated alerts from federal and state agencies.