Federal Ministry of Environment Issues Flood Alert for 15 States, 69 Locations

Abuja — The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood alert for 15 states and 69 vulnerable locations across Nigeria, warning that heavy rainfall expected between September 24 and 28, 2025, may trigger floods in specific communities.

The alert, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Ministry’s Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, was issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre on Wednesday. It is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to help prevent loss of lives and minimize property damage during this peak rainy season period.

States identified to be at risk include Adamawa (Farkumo, Jimeta, Mayo-Belwa, and Yola), Anambra (Ogbakuba), Bayelsa (Amassoma, Yenagoa, and others), Borno (Damasak), Delta (Asaba, Warri, Sapele, among others), Edo (Benin City), Imo (Egbema), Kano (Kano, Bebeji), Katsina (Jibia), Ondo (Akure), Oyo (Iseyin), Rivers (Ahoada), Sokoto (Isa), Taraba (Bandawa, Gembu), and Zamfara (Gusau, Anka).

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Flooding remains a recurrent natural disaster nationwide, displacing thousands, damaging infrastructure, and threatening food security annually. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as of September 20, 2025, floods have claimed at least 232 lives, displaced 121,224 persons, and affected more than 339,000 Nigerians, with 681 injured.

The Ministry called on all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, local authorities, and communities to take the warning seriously by enhancing preparedness and implementing preventive measures to mitigate flood impacts.

Residents, especially those in flood-prone floodplains and riverbanks, are advised to remain vigilant, prepare for possible evacuations, and stay alert to further government updates.

This flood warning comes amid increasing concerns over the effects of climate change, poor urban drainage, and encroachment on natural waterways, which exacerbate flooding events in the country.

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