FG Raises Alarm Over Imminent Five-Day Flood Risk Across 19 States

The Federal Government has sounded a nationwide alert, warning of imminent heavy rainfall that could result in serious flooding across 19 states and 76 locations between August 5 and 9, 2025.

The caution was issued by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, urging citizens and relevant agencies to take proactive measures. The alert follows reports of flooding in several parts of the country, including Ogun and Gombe states.

According to projections released by the centre, states likely to be impacted include Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger, and Plateau, among others. Specific towns and communities listed as high-risk zones span across all geopolitical zones, indicating the potential for widespread disruption.

Yearly Pattern of Devastation

Flooding has become a recurring challenge for Nigeria. In 2024 alone, over 5 million people were affected by floods, with more than 1,200 fatalities and extensive displacement across 35 states. Farmlands and properties worth billions were destroyed, exacerbating food insecurity and economic hardship.

This year has already witnessed several deadly incidents. In May, Mokwa in Niger State saw at least 200 fatalities due to severe flooding triggered by torrential rains and a dam collapse. Another disaster in Borno last year involved the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulting in over 150 deaths and the displacement of nearly half a million residents.

Rivers State, Delta, Kwara, and other areas have also reported deadly flash floods, landslides, and submerged communities due to continuous rain.

Funding and National Response

In response to increasing flood threats, the National Economic Council recently approved a financial intervention package aimed at bolstering flood response mechanisms. Each state, including the FCT, will receive ₦3 billion. Additionally, various ministries — Environment, Budget and Planning, and Water Resources — were allocated ₦1.5 billion each, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) received ₦10 billion to support relief efforts.

According to NEMA’s latest data, at least 191 people have died due to flooding incidents in 2025, with 94 others reported missing. The report indicates that Niger and Adamawa states were hardest hit.

More than 134,000 individuals have been affected across 20 states and 47 LGAs, with nearly 50,000 people displaced. Thousands of homes and farmlands have also been damaged, further worsening the economic toll.

Women and children remain the most affected, accounting for over 100,000 of those impacted. Individuals with disabilities and the elderly were also disproportionately affected.

Flood Emergencies Across States

In Ogun, communities around Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were overwhelmed after an overnight downpour. RCCG officials deployed buses to evacuate stranded churchgoers, residents, and schoolchildren. In Estate 15, vehicles were submerged, and makeshift canoes became a temporary transport option.

Meanwhile, Gombe reported four fatalities and over 278 households affected. Heavy rains and windstorms damaged properties across multiple LGAs including Dukku, Kwami, and Billiri.

Lagos also endured a brutal storm that left key areas such as Lekki, Agege, Ikorodu, and Alimosho underwater. Viral clips on social media showed residents wading through waist-high water, appealing to the government for help. Marketplaces, schools, and transportation systems were heavily disrupted.

In Delta, entire sections of communities like Sapele and Oko were submerged. The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Jamani Ejiro, conducted assessments and announced the setup of six fully-equipped IDP camps in high-risk zones such as Asaba, Bomadi, and Uto-Jeremi.

Kebbi State’s Diggi town was hit by an unexpected flood after a prolonged downpour, with dozens displaced and homes ruined. Similar damage occurred in Dass LGA of Bauchi State where over a dozen houses were washed away.

Plateau’s Shimankar District suffered widespread damage from a powerful rainstorm, destroying schools, homes, and places of worship. In Imo, villages in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs were submerged, displacing residents and destroying farms.

Floodwaters also invaded parts of Rivers State, submerging major roads and displacing residents in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs. Environmental advocates are now calling for emergency measures to address drainage and urban planning challenges.

States Take Action

Several states have activated emergency response plans. Katsina has designated schools as temporary shelters in flood-prone LGAs. In Sokoto, joint teams from SEMA and NEMA are conducting on-site damage assessments following severe flooding in Yabo, Tureta, and Shagari LGAs.

Bayelsa has thus far avoided severe damage due to ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as drainage desilting and culvert repairs. The state’s flood directorate remains on high alert.

In states like Kano, Nasarawa, and Kaduna, no major floods have been reported yet, but authorities are closely monitoring weather patterns and dam levels. Sensitisation campaigns and evacuation plans are in place, while temporary shelters have been prepared as a precaution.

Benue, Edo, and other states also remain on edge, with emergency agencies maintaining a standby position as forecasts predict more heavy rains ahead.

The Path Forward

With meteorologists predicting continued rainfall in the weeks ahead, experts stress the importance of long-term investments in drainage infrastructure, environmental education, and urban planning reforms.

Environmental activist Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene warned, “The rain can’t be stopped, but the damage can be reduced. This is a call for smarter planning, stronger systems, and more accountability.”

As communities across Nigeria brace for more rain, the call for both emergency and structural solutions has never been more urgent.