The Federal Government has sounded the alarm over an imminent flood crisis that threatens to engulf 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), placing over 1,200 communities in high-risk zones. This stark warning was issued during the presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja. The event underscored the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate what could become one of Nigeria’s most devastating natural disasters.Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, painted a grim picture of the looming threat, attributing it largely to climate change and rising sea levels. He highlighted that coastal and riverine flooding is expected to wreak havoc in parts of the South-South, with states such as Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Edo identified as particularly vulnerable. Beyond these areas, urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi are also at risk of flash and urban flooding due to poor drainage systems and inadequate infrastructure.The AFO report revealed that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) face high flood risks this year. Another 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs are projected to experience moderate flooding. The forecast is segmented into three phases—April to June, July to September, and October to November—each highlighting varying degrees of risk across different regions. For instance, between April and June alone, 657 communities in 52 LGAs are expected to experience severe flooding.NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, emphasized that this year’s outlook leverages advanced hydrological modeling and technology for more precise predictions. The agency has also adopted a community-based flood prediction model aimed at tailoring forecasts to specific localities. Mohammed noted that this approach provides actionable insights for policymakers and disaster managers while assessing potential impacts on critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed that these predictions are not merely statistics but a call to action to protect lives and livelihoods. He urged all stakeholders—federal agencies, state governments, local authorities, and community leaders—to act swiftly in implementing mitigation strategies.The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also been proactive in addressing this looming crisis. Its Director General, Zubaida Umar, recently convened a stakeholders’ forum to evaluate preparedness strategies based on the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). Umar highlighted the need for multi-sectoral collaboration in disaster preparedness and response. She noted that lessons from last year’s climate challenges must guide efforts to identify gaps and enhance performance in managing this year’s flood risks.In collaboration with UNICEF, NEMA has conducted a hazard risk analysis for Nigeria. The findings will be simplified and shared with relevant stakeholders to bolster disaster preparedness measures. Umar stressed that early messaging is critical for enabling timely decision-making at all levels of government.As part of its commitment to building a flood-resilient Nigeria, the Federal Government has introduced innovative flood risk management strategies. These include advanced forecasting tools and public awareness campaigns aimed at equipping communities with knowledge on how best to prepare for potential disasters.The stakes are high as floods continue to pose significant threats to lives, properties, agriculture, infrastructure, and overall national development. In light of past experiences—such as the catastrophic floods of 2012 and 2022—the government’s focus on preparedness cannot be overstated. Citizens in vulnerable areas have been urged to heed warnings and adopt precautionary measures while government agencies intensify efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods.This year’s flood outlook serves as both a warning bell and a rallying cry for collective action. With climate change exacerbating weather extremes globally, Nigeria faces a critical test of its resilience against natural disasters.
Impending Flood Crisis: FG Rallies to Shield Lives and Infrastructure Amid Dire Predictions
