By Joke Kujenya
THE NIGERIA government has issued a stark warning for 2025, forecasting severe floods across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation predicts that coastal and riverine regions, especially in the South-South, are at heightened risk due to rising sea levels.
These floods are expected to devastate lives, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The outlook highlights that 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are at high risk of flooding this year. An additional 2,187 communities across 293 LGAs face moderate flood risks.
Among the high-risk states are Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Benue, and Abia, with urban areas like Abuja and Port Harcourt also bracing for urban and flash flooding, worsened by poor drainage systems.
Speaking during the presentation of the AFO in Abuja, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, warned of the accelerating impact of climate change on the frequency and severity of floods in the country.
He noted that flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most devastating natural disasters, underscoring the importance of preparedness at the community level.
The AFO introduces a community-based flood forecasting approach for the first time, offering tailored predictions for specific communities to aid in local flood preparedness.
This shift aims to provide more actionable insights for stakeholders, equipping them with the tools necessary to protect lives and property.
Key government initiatives were also unveiled, including a National Flood Insurance Programme and the Niger Flood Project, both aimed at improving flood resilience.
The programme will be piloted in Kogi and Jigawa states, with the aim of bolstering river navigation, flood control, and overall climate resilience.
Umar Mohammed, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), emphasised the agency’s commitment to providing accurate, community-focused forecasts.
This year’s outlook moves beyond LGAs to pinpoint at-risk communities, allowing for more effective early warnings.
The focus also extends to assessing the flood impacts on critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.
The outlook offers a segmented approach to the flood risks expected between April and November, with varying levels of severity across the months.
High-risk flooding is expected to peak between April and June, with significant risks in July-September and October-November as well.
As Nigeria faces these challenges, the call for concerted action is clear.
The federal government has also reiterated its commitment to proactive flood management, urging local and national stakeholders to collaborate in building flood-resilient communities.
