The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a stern warning about the likelihood of severe flooding in parts of the country, forecasting that no fewer than 198 local government areas across 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at high risk between August 7 and August 21, 2025.
This alert comes as the country approaches the peak of its annual rainy season, a period traditionally marked by increased river discharge and surface runoff due to persistent rainfall. The agency, which is the federal body responsible for monitoring and predicting hydrological patterns nationwide, urged state and local governments to take immediate preventive action to mitigate the potential loss of lives and destruction of property.
According to NiHSA, the forecast is based on extensive hydrological modeling and real-time data gathered from monitoring stations across the country. The states listed in the high-risk category are expected to experience flash floods, river overflow, and urban inundation, particularly in communities situated along flood plains, poorly drained areas, and regions where infrastructure is inadequate to absorb the impact of heavy rainfall.
The agency stressed that proactive measures must be taken by emergency management authorities, urban planners, and local residents to reduce exposure to disaster. These include clearing drainage channels, relocating from flood-prone zones, and setting up early warning communication systems within vulnerable communities.
NiHSA further appealed to state governments to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of disregarding flood alerts and to coordinate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies in deploying resources to high-risk areas ahead of time.
The warning follows earlier advisories issued earlier in the year, where the agency projected above-normal rainfall patterns for 2025, citing global climate change as a contributing factor. The August window is now seen as a critical period during which both river and urban flooding could escalate if left unaddressed.
As the nation braces for possible disruptions, the Hydrological Services Agency reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely, science-based updates to help authorities and citizens stay informed and take the necessary precautions.