FG warns 11 states at risk of flooding due to expected heavy down rainfall

Thursday, July 17, 2025 - The Federal Government on Wednesday, July 16, issued a warning that 38 locations across 11 states in Nigeria are at risk of flooding due to expected heavy rainfall between Wednesday, July 16, and Sunday, July 20, 2025.

The alert, obtained by reporters, was released by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Flood Early Warning Centre, which operates under the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department. It was signed by the department's Director, Usman Bokani.

According to the forecast, the states likely to be affected include Adamawa (Mubi); Akwa Ibom (Edor, Upenekang, Oron, Eket); Borno (Ngala, Maiduguri); Bauchi (Azare, Bauchi, Itas, Jama’are, Kafin-Madaki, Jama’a, Kari, Misau); and Plateau (Jos, Bukuru, Mangu).

Other areas at risk are Yobe (Jakusko, Machina, Dapchi); Katsina (Daura); Kano (Kunchi, Kano, Gezawa, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, Tudun Wada); and Jigawa (Miga, Gwaram, Diginsa, Ringim, Dutse). Cross River (Calabar, Akpap) and Zamfara (Bungudu, Gusau) were also listed in the forecast.

This warning follows the government’s earlier efforts to address the nation’s vulnerability to flooding, including the initiation of the National Flood Insurance Policy. During the opening of the Technical Committee Meeting on the development of the policy in Abuja in June, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, described rising flood incidents across Nigeria as a national emergency that requires urgent and strategic action.

Kambari, represented by Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director of the Department of Flood, Erosion Control and Coastal Management, cited climate change, urbanisation, and inadequate infrastructure as major contributors to recurring flood disasters.

He stated that the proposed National Flood Insurance Programme aims to provide financial relief for individuals, communities, and businesses, reduce the fiscal burden on the government during emergencies, and encourage shared responsibility among federal, state, and private sector actors.