2025: 1,200 communities at risk nationwide as NIHSA issues flood alert on 30 states, FCT

By Abbas Nazil

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has raised an alarm over the iuiiiincreasing threat of flooding in the country in 2025, with 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) identified as high-risk zones.

The agency, during the official presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, disclosed that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are at high risk of severe flooding in the coming year.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who emphasized the urgency for states, communities, and individuals to take proactive measures.

The flood outlook further projects that an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs across 31 states, including the FCT, will experience moderate flooding.

The forecast reveals a seasonal variation in flood risks. Between April and June, 657 communities in 52 LGAs are expected to face high flood risks.

From July to September, the number of at-risk communities is projected to rise to 544 in 142 LGAs, while 484 communities in 56 LGAs will likely be affected between October and November.

In terms of moderate flooding, 445 communities in 116 LGAs will be affected between April and June, followed by a surge to 1,458 communities in 271 LGAs from July to September. From October to November, 1,473 communities in 171 LGAs are projected to be impacted.

Major urban centers such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi are particularly vulnerable to flash and urban flooding, largely due to inadequate drainage systems and poor infrastructure.

The states identified as being at high flood risk include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

In addition to inland flooding, coastal states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo may also suffer from rising sea levels and tidal surges, threatening coastal livelihoods and riverine activities.

To mitigate the expected impacts, the federal government has introduced key initiatives. Among them are the National Flood Insurance Programme, to be piloted in Kogi and Jigawa states, and the Niger Flood Project, aimed at improving flood control mechanisms and enhancing climate resilience.

Furthermore, the government will launch an Integrated Climate Resilience Project and publish the Annual Drought Outlook to prepare for broader climate challenges.

NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, assured the public of the agency’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies and strengthening inter-agency collaborations to provide timely and accurate flood predictions.

These efforts are geared towards safeguarding lives, properties, and livelihoods across the country.

The Minister of Water Resources called on all citizens to remain alert, prepared, and proactive to minimize the damages associated with flooding, stressing that community-level resilience and cooperation will be critical in managing the risks. END