The Nigerian government has issued a warning that approximately 1,249 communities across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at high risk of flooding this year, as the rainy season intensifies in some parts of the country.
The warning comes as many Nigerians are still recovering from last year’s devastating flood disasters.
Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made reference to the imminent flooding risks during the 2025 flood outlook presentation by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Thursday in Abuja.
“Flooding is one of the worst natural disasters we face in Nigeria, and climate change has only made it worse,” Utsev said.
According to NIHSA, 2,187 communities across 293 local government areas (LGAs) are at moderate flood risk, with key states such as Abia, Benue, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Jigawa expected to be among the hardest hit.
The minister further disclosed that 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs across the 30 states and the FCT fall under the high-risk flood zones for this year. Additionally, 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs face moderate flood risks.
“As part of this year’s Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), NIHSA has adopted a new and effective approach to flood forecasting. This will ensure that critical risk information is clearly understood and actionable for vulnerable communities,” Utsev explained.
Utsev also announced several government initiatives aimed at addressing the impact of flooding, including the National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP), which seeks to protect vulnerable households, farmlands, and livestock. Kogi and Jigawa states are the pilot regions for the programme.
Nigeria has been grappling with perennial flooding disasters, which have been worsened by climate change in recent years. Hundreds of lives have been lost, homes and farms destroyed, and businesses crippled.
