As the 2025 rainy season approaches, the federal government has raised the alarm over looming flood threats across the country, identifying 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas (LGAs) across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as being at high risk.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Additionally, 2,187 communities across 293 LGAs in all 36 states and the FCT are expected to experience moderate flooding, according to the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) for 2025 released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

The Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who presented the forecast, emphasized the urgent need for proactive flood preparedness. Themed “Flood Resilience: Focusing on Communities’ Preparedness and Adaptive Strategies for Flood Management,” the 2025 AFO outlines critical timelines and vulnerable zones.

According to the breakdown:

• April to June: 666 communities in 52 LGAs across 14 states are at high risk.

• July to September: 549 communities in 114 LGAs across 30 states will likely be impacted.

• October to November: 489 communities in 56 LGAs across 13 states are at risk.

Moderate flood risks are forecasted as follows:

• April to June: 445 communities in 116 LGAs across 24 states.

• July to September: 1,458 communities in 271 LGAs across 33 states.

• October to November: 1,473 communities in 171 LGAs across 26 states.

The Minister warned that flash and urban flooding are likely in many cities due to heavy rains, inadequate drainage systems, and a general lack of flood resilience infrastructure. He emphasized that flooding remains one of the country’s most severe natural disasters, worsened by climate change.

The 2025 AFO is divided into three publications:

1. Flood Forecast – giving an overview of expected flood scenarios.

2. Flood Risk Communication – outlining strategies for converting flood warnings into action.

3. Flood Mitigation and Adaptation – recommending preventive measures and response programs.

Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, called for early preparedness, stressing the importance of safeguarding lives and livelihoods. Meanwhile, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, noted that the agency has improved its flood prediction capabilities to assess potential impacts on sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also assured the public of its preparedness. According to spokesperson Ezekiel Manzo, NEMA has activated its early warning systems and will deploy emergency equipment and technology to aid in flood disaster response.

Manzo urged Nigerians not to panic but to take flood warnings seriously and act promptly to avoid losses.