Flooding: 30 States Move to Avert Disaster as FG Issues Alert
With the rainy season fast approaching, governments across Nigeria are racing against time to prevent what could be one of the most widespread flooding crises in recent years. Authorities in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory have begun rolling out flood mitigation strategies aimed at protecting over 1,249 high-risk communities spread across 176 local government areas.
This proactive stance follows an alarming projection by the Federal Government, warning of heavy rainfall and devastating floods between April and November. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) revealed the figures during the launch of its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook in Abuja on Thursday.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, described the impending floods as a significant threat exacerbated by climate change. “Flooding is one of the most destructive natural disasters in Nigeria, and its severity is intensifying,” Utsev said. He noted that coastal states like Bayelsa, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, and Ondo would bear the brunt due to rising sea levels and tidal surges.
While some states are already clearing blocked drainage systems, dredging waterways, and relocating vulnerable populations, others are intensifying public awareness and preparedness campaigns.
The flood alert identified high-risk states to include Adamawa, Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kwara, Ogun, and Yobe among others. Over 2,000 additional communities in 293 LGAs were also marked as moderately at risk.
Highlighting the government’s new approach, NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, said, “This year’s forecast has gone granular. We are moving from vague predictions to pinpointing specific communities, which allows for more targeted emergency planning.”
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In Anambra, local authorities have activated emergency response protocols in 10 LGAs, cleared drainage channels, and alerted residents in vulnerable areas. Similar efforts are ongoing in Kwara, where river dredging and the construction of levees along the Asa River are underway to prevent a repeat of past disasters.
Ogun State, through its Ministry of Environment, is engaging local councils to domesticate the flood warnings. “We’ve issued alerts and are currently dredging the Ogun River and opening its tributaries to increase water capacity,” Commissioner Ola Oresanya stated.
Other states like Gombe, Nasarawa, Delta, Borno, and Bayelsa are also scaling up interventions, ranging from the desilting of drains to preparing temporary shelters for displaced persons. In Nasarawa, relief camps are being set up, and residents in riverine areas have been advised to seek higher ground.
Meanwhile, Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Jamani Ejiro, assured that early sensitization and water channel clearance have positioned the state to minimize impact. “Before the federal alert, we had already mobilized efforts. We’re ahead of the situation,” he affirmed.
In Borno, a standing committee has been active for three months, working with NIMET to execute flood control measures including the dredging of waterways and sensitization of residents.
Bayelsa’s flood control directorate is also set to commence massive canal clearance across Yenagoa, aiming for completion before the peak of the rains in May.
Gombe’s continuous drainage maintenance and infrastructure upgrades have helped it avoid floods in previous years, a model other states are now keen to replicate.
As Nigeria braces for months of intense downpour, the urgency displayed by both federal and state governments signals a shift from reactive to proactive disaster management. Yet, the true test lies ahead—when the clouds open and communities face the surging waters.
By PRNigeria
