The Nigerian government has issued a stark warning that more than 3,400 communities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory could experience devastating floods this year. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency revealed these findings during the presentation of its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook in Abuja.
According to the forecast, 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas face high flood risks, while an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs are classified as moderate-risk zones. The report identifies three peak danger periods: April-June (657 high-risk communities), July-September (544 communities), and October-November (484 communities).
Water Resources Minister Joseph Utsev expressed particular concern about major urban centers including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, where poor drainage systems could lead to catastrophic urban flooding. Coastal states like Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa face additional threats from rising sea levels and tidal surges.
The government announced several emergency measures including a National Flood Insurance Program to be piloted in Kogi and Jigawa states, special drainage clearance funds, and an Integrated Climate Resilience Project. NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed emphasized the agency is deploying advanced monitoring technologies to provide early warnings to vulnerable communities.
This year’s forecast comes as Nigeria continues to recover from devastating 2024 floods that displaced over 1.4 million people and caused billions in damages to infrastructure and farmland. Authorities are urging state governments and residents in high-risk areas to begin immediate preparations before the rainy season intensifies.
