The Federal Ministry of Environment has released an urgent flood alert impacting 15 states and 69 designated areas.
This advisory warns that intense rainfall expected between September 24 and 28, 2025, could trigger flooding in several communities.
Issued by the Ministry’s National Flood Early Warning Centre on Wednesday, the notice is signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department.
This alert is part of the Ministry’s ongoing early warning framework aimed at reducing casualties and property damage during the peak of the rainy season.
Flooding remains a recurring calamity in Nigeria, annually displacing thousands, damaging vital infrastructure, and jeopardizing national food security. According to the National Emergency Management Agency, as of September 20, 2025, floods have claimed 232 lives and displaced 121,224 people across various regions.
Additional data indicates that over 339,658 individuals have been affected by floodwaters, with 681 reported injuries. The Flood Early Warning Centre emphasized, “Heavy rains are forecasted across 15 states from September 24 to 28, 2025, potentially causing flooding in the following areas and their vicinities.”
The affected locations include: Adamawa-Farkumo, Jimeta, Mayo-Belwa, Wuro Bokki, Yola; Anambra-Ogbakuba; Bayelsa-Amassoma, Ikpidama, Kalama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Odi, Odoni, Ogbia, Oloibiri, Oporoma, Otouke, Peremabiri, Sagbama, Yenagoa; Borno-Damasak; Delta-Abigborodo, Aboh, Abraka, Agbor, Asaba, Forcados, Koko, Okoloba, Okpo-Krika, Patani, Sapele, Ughelli, Warri, Umugboma, Umukwata, Umuchi-Utchi.
Other states include Edo-Benin City, Okada; Imo-Egbema, Oguta; Kano-Bebeji, Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Tudun-Wada, Wudil; Katsina-Jibia; Ondo-Akure, Ikare, Ita-Ogbolu; Oyo-Iseyin, Oyo; Rivers-Ahoada, Itu; Sokoto-Isa, Shagari; Taraba-Bandawa, Gembu, Ngaruwa, Serti; Zamfara-Anka, Bungudu, Bukuyum, Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi.
The Ministry calls on all relevant parties to take this warning seriously by preparing adequately and adopting preventive strategies ahead of the anticipated heavy rains.
Given the devastating consequences flooding has inflicted on communities nationwide, it is imperative for local authorities and community leaders to act decisively. Measures should include ensuring drainage channels are unobstructed and operational, establishing emergency shelters for vulnerable populations, and actively communicating safety guidelines to residents during severe weather events.
As the rainy season intensifies, fostering community vigilance and readiness is crucial. The threat of flooding presents considerable dangers, underscoring the necessity for everyone to stay alert and equipped to handle emergencies promptly. This Ministry’s advisory serves as a critical reminder that proactive preparation and informed awareness are essential to lessen the impact of natural disasters.
