Federal Ministry of Environment Issues Warning
The Federal Ministry of Environment, through its National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEWS Centre), has issued an urgent flood alert for 15 states and 69 specific locations across Nigeria. The advisory, released on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, warns of significant rainfall and potential flooding anticipated between September 24 and 28, 2025. The alert was signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department. This proactive measure is part of the ministry's routine early-warning system, designed to minimize the loss of life and property during the peak rainy season.
Regions at Risk and Forecast Details
The states identified as being at high risk of flooding include Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara. Within these states, numerous communities have been flagged for potential inundation. Some of the specific locations mentioned in the alert are:
- Adamawa: Yola
- Bayelsa: Yenagoa
- Delta: Warri
- Edo: Benin City
- Imo: Oguta
- Kano: Kano
- Katsina: Jibia
- Ondo: Akure
- Oyo: Oyo
- Rivers: Ahoada
- Sokoto: Shagari
- Taraba: Serti
- Zamfara: Gusau
The FEWS Centre stated that 'The heavy rainfall forecast for these locations may lead to flooding in the identified communities and their environs.' Stakeholders are advised to prepare adequately and implement preventive actions.
Call for Preparedness and Precautionary Measures
In light of the impending heavy rainfall, the ministry has urged residents, local governments, and emergency response teams to take immediate precautionary measures. These include clearing drainage systems, reinforcing infrastructure, and developing evacuation plans where necessary. The government's proactive stance aims to enhance preparedness and resilience in vulnerable regions as the rainy season intensifies.
Nigeria's Ongoing Flood Challenge
This latest warning comes as Nigeria continues to experience severe and recurrent flooding, which has displaced thousands of people and caused substantial economic damage in recent years. According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as of September 20, 2025, the current flood season has already resulted in 232 fatalities, with 121,224 individuals displaced and 339,658 people affected. Additionally, 681 persons have sustained injuries. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had previously issued forecasts highlighting high flood risks across various parts of the country for 2025.
6 Comments
Habibi
Empty words. The displacement numbers speak for themselves.
Leonardo
This advisory is a responsible step. Preparedness saves lives.
Michelangelo
Good on the government for issuing this alert! Early warnings are crucial.
Leonardo
They warn us, but do they provide aid for those who lose everything?
Michelangelo
The government's call for preparedness is commendable, yet the article also highlights the severe impact of current floods, suggesting that warnings alone are insufficient without robust national disaster response and mitigation strategies.
Eugene Alta
While it's good that an alert has been issued, the recurring nature of these floods points to a deeper issue with urban planning and drainage maintenance that needs urgent attention beyond just warnings.