Lagos, Rivers, FCT, 28 other states to experience flooding – FG

 

 The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 33 states and the FCT fall within the high flood-risk areas in 2025.

 The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof., issued the warning at the official presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO). Joseph Utsev, in Abuja.

 Additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 31 states and the FCT are anticipated to face moderate flood risk this year, according to the forecast. Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the FCT, Gombe, and Imo are the states that have been classified as high-risk. Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara are additional jurisdictions. According to Utsev, flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters, affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and lives. He said the 2025 forecast is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging preparedness among citizens, particularly in vulnerable communities.

 In light of the recurrence of floods and their effects on infrastructure and livelihoods, he stated that this year's theme of community preparedness and adaptation is timely. The minister explained that the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook has been segmented into three parts to enhance flood preparedness.

 These include a general flood forecast, a communication strategy for effective warning dissemination, and a mitigation plan to reduce exposure and vulnerability.

 Between April and June, it is anticipated that 657 communities in 52 LGAs will face a high flood risk. “544 communities in 142 LGAs between July and September; and 484 communities in 56 LGAs from October to November.

 He went on to say that "Moderate flood risk is projected for 445 communities in 116 LGAs from April to June," "1,458 communities in 271 LGAs from July to September," and "1,473 communities in 171 LGAs from October to November." He stated that major cities like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi are likely to experience flash and urban flooding as a result of inadequate drainage and infrastructure. He claims that rising sea levels and tidal surges may cause flooding in coastal states like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo, threatening livelihoods and river-based activities. Utsev announced projects to improve river navigation, flood control, and climate resilience, including the Niger Flood Project and a National Flood Insurance Programme that will be tested out in Kogi and Jigawa states. He highlighted plans to launch an Integrated Climate Resilience Project and the forthcoming Annual Drought Outlook.

 Utsev urged stakeholders to support government efforts in building flood-resilient communities and affirming the Federal Government’s commitment to proactive flood management.

 Earlier, NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed emphasized the agency's commitment to providing accurate and timely flood forecasts by utilizing cutting-edge technologies and encouraging inter-agency collaboration. Mohammed explained that the forecast for this year focuses more on the community and goes beyond local government areas to identify particular at-risk communities. “Our aim is to equip decision-makers with actionable information to protect lives, livelihoods, and property,” he stated.

 He went on to say that the outlook looks at communities, local government areas, and states that are prone to flooding. It also looks at how it will affect sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, and water quality. Mohammed claims that the objective is to support proactive flood management strategies across the nation and build community resilience. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that key highlights of the event included the formal presentation of the NIHSA Flood and Drought Dashboard and the unveiling of the National Flood Insurance Programme.

 Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the World Meteorological Agency, the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna, and others.