The Federal Government has warned 30 States across Nigeria including FCT to brace up for heavy flooding from April to November.
Announcing this on Thursday, during the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook hosted by the Hydrological Service Agency, in Abuja— the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, listed states that may be affected this year.
Stating it as a major disaster that could cost lives and lots more, the Minister said flood could be contained with proper planning.
The list of states in his list 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 Federal Capital Territory.
“The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook shows that 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas in 30 States and FCT fall within the High Flood Risk Areas, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 36 States of the Federation and the FCT fall within the Moderate Flood Risk Areas,” he said.
Additionally, Utsev highlighted that devastating disaster are projected in these major cities in the country due to high rainfall intensities, low attention to the management of water facilities including drainage systems, waterways and lack of flood resilience structures.
“Nevertheless, the flood, unlike other certain natural disasters, can be contained with proper planning and provision of necessary infrastructure. Rather than just general predictions, forecasts are now tailored to specific communities, enhancing actionable communication and preparedness at the grassroots level,” he added.
Centering on preparedness and awareness creation for flood and management, the 2025 AFO presentation was a success. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah in his remark; called on stakeholders to take immediate action.
He said; “This outlook isn’t just about numbers, it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.”
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