FG Issues Fresh Flood Alert for 16 States, 39 Communities
The Federal Ministry of Environment has sounded a fresh warning about imminent heavy rainfall and flash floods expected to hit parts of 16 states across Nigeria between October 4 and 8, 2025.
The alert, issued through the National Flood Early Warning Centre and signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, identified 39 high-risk locations likely to be impacted during the forecast period.
According to the ministry, the states and localities most at risk include Asaba in Delta; Damaturu in Yobe; Isa in Sokoto; Anka, Bungudu, Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun, and Shinkafi in Zamfara; Jibia in Katsina; Kisi and Oyo in Oyo State; Ribah, Sakaba, and Yelwa in Kebbi; Gwarzo, Sumaila, and Karaye in Kano; Kontagora, Mashegu, Mokwa, New-Bussa, Rijau, and Wushishi in Niger; Kosubosu in Kwara; Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Katsina-Ala, and Ugba in Benue; Briyel in Borno; Brass, Ikpidiama, and Odoni in Bayelsa; Edor and Ikom in Cross River; Itu and Ahoada in Rivers; and Nsukka in Enugu State.
The ministry urged state governments, local councils, and disaster management agencies to remain on high alert and immediately implement preventive measures. These include clearing drainage systems, desilting blocked water channels, and conducting public sensitization campaigns in flood-prone communities to minimize potential damage and loss of life.
“The predicted flooding could have serious consequences if proactive steps are not taken,” the ministry’s statement warned. It further emphasized the need for emergency response mechanisms and evacuation plans to be ready throughout the forecast period.
Recent data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) highlights the scale of the flood crisis in Nigeria this year. As of September 20, 2025, at least 232 lives have been lost, while over 121,000 people have been displaced from their homes in different regions of the country. Overall, more than 339,000 Nigerians have been affected by flooding incidents, and 681 individuals have sustained various degrees of injuries.
Experts have consistently attributed the recurring flood disasters to the combined effects of climate change, poor urban planning, deforestation, and indiscriminate dumping of waste in drainage systems. Environmental analysts have also criticized the poor enforcement of building regulations and inadequate disaster preparedness by some state governments, warning that these lapses continue to magnify the human and economic toll of floods nationwide.
Environmentalists further call for stronger investment in climate adaptation infrastructure, improved flood forecasting technology, and better coordination among federal and state agencies to curb future disasters. With the rainy season still ongoing in several parts of the country, authorities warn that vigilance and prompt community action remain the only effective safeguards against another devastating flood episode.
