The Federal Government has revealed that no fewer than 1,249 communities spread across 176 Local Government Areas in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to face severe flooding between April and November 2025.
This disclosure was made by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during the official presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, organized by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Utsev, states likely to experience intense flooding include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, and Jigawa.
He also listed Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory among the high-risk flood zones.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the minister emphasized the growing threat of climate change, stating that it continues to intensify both the frequency and impact of flooding across the country.
He warned that coastal and riverine regions like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo would likely be affected due to rising sea levels and tidal surges, which could disrupt fishing activities, wildlife habitats, and river transportation.
“The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook shows that 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas in 30 States and FCT fall within the High Flood Risk Areas, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 36 States of the Federation and the FCT fall within the Moderate Flood Risk Areas,” Utsev said.
“Flash and urban flooding are projected in major cities in the country due to high rainfall intensities, low attention to the management of water facilities including drainage systems, waterways and lack of flood resilience structures.
“Nevertheless, the flood, unlike other certain natural disasters, can be contained with proper planning and provision of necessary infrastructure. Rather than just general predictions, forecasts are now tailored to specific communities, enhancing actionable communication and preparedness at the grassroots level,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to act swiftly and prioritize early response measures.
“This outlook isn’t just about numbers; it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods,” Pheelangwah stressed.
NIHSA Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Umar Mohammed, explained that the 2025 flood projection takes a more detailed approach, pinpointing specific communities rather than just general areas.
“We are transforming flood data into real-time decisions and impactful resilience-building. Our focus has expanded to assess sectoral impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, offering more robust tools to policymakers and disaster risk managers,” Mohammed explained.
With the unveiling of the 2025 AFO, Nigeria is shifting towards a proactive flood management approach—anchored on science, advanced technology, and community-level preparedness.
