From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has warned that 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at high risk of flooding in 2025.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev, shared this during the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja.
He added that 2,187 more communities in 293 LGAs could face moderate flooding. He called flooding one of Nigeria’s worst natural disasters.
The AFO’s theme, “Flood Resilience: Focusing on Communities Preparedness and Adaptive Strategies for Flood Management,” marks a shift to community-focused forecasts. “Forecasts are now tailored to specific communities, enhancing actionable communication and preparedness at the grassroots level,” Utsev said.
High-risk states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.
Utsev explained the 2025 AFO comes in three parts: Flood Forecast, detailing likely flood events; Flood Risk Communication, turning forecasts into timely action; and Flood Mitigation and Adaptation, offering ways to cut flood risks.
Permanent Secretary Mr Richard Pheelangwah opened the event, urging early action. He said the AFO isn’t just numbers—it’s about saving lives and livelihoods. NIHSA Director-General Umar Ibrahim Mohammed noted this year’s forecast pinpoints specific at-risk communities.
“Our focus has expanded to assess sectoral impacts, on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, offering more robust tools to policymakers and disaster risk managers,” he said. Better tech and agency teamwork made this possible, turning flood data into real-time decisions, he added.
The 2025 AFO kicks off a fresh approach to flood management in Nigeria, focusing on preparedness, science, and community strength. As the rainy season nears, officials urge state and local leaders, plus at-risk communities, to use the AFO’s insights, boost disaster plans, and join national efforts to lower risks and protect lives.