Federal Government Raises Alarm Over Heavy Rains, Flood Threats in 30 States and FCT

In a stark warning to Nigerians, the Federal Government has forecasted severe flooding and heavy rainfall in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, during the 2025 rainy season. The revelation was made during the official release of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja.

According to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, climate change remains a major driver behind the intensifying rainfall and rising sea levels that are expected to trigger coastal and riverine flooding. He noted that this year’s flood forecast is especially concerning, with over 1,200 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) falling within high-risk flood zones.

States expected to be worst hit include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.

Utsev emphasized that flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most destructive natural disasters, not only displacing thousands but also affecting critical infrastructure, farmlands, and livelihoods. “The rising trend of floods is fueled by climate change, and the consequences are becoming more severe each year,” he warned.

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Targeted Community-Based Forecasting for Enhanced Preparedness

A significant improvement in this year’s flood outlook is the introduction of a community-based flood forecasting system. Unlike previous models that provided general predictions, the new approach is tailored to deliver localized alerts, empowering communities with specific, actionable information.

“The 2025 AFO is segmented into three levels of risk and has adopted grassroots-centered forecasting to ensure timely dissemination of flood warnings,” Utsev said. This, he explained, would support better response planning by residents, local authorities, and disaster response agencies.

In addition to the 1,249 high-risk communities, another 2,187 communities across 293 LGAs are categorized under moderate risk zones. The Federal Government is urging states and local councils to activate emergency preparedness strategies, such as clearing drainage systems, building embankments, and sensitizing citizens, especially those residing near rivers and low-lying areas.

Key high-risk states such as Benue, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Jigawa, and Abia are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of river overflows, poor urban drainage, and proximity to coastal belts.

As the nation braces for an intense rainy season, the Federal Government is also collaborating with international climate bodies and deploying improved technology to enhance forecasting accuracy. Utsev called on all stakeholders—including community leaders, traditional institutions, and non-governmental organizations—to support the dissemination of early warnings and invest in flood mitigation infrastructure.

Citizens, especially in flood-prone zones, are advised to remain vigilant, heed local alerts, and prioritize safety during the forthcoming weather events.