33 states at high risk of flooding- NIHSA warns

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned about possible flooding in 33 states and the FCT this year.

NIHSA identified 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as high-risk flood zones in its 2025 forecast.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, officially presented the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja.

Utsev stated that floods destroy lives, property, roads, schools, hospitals, and farmlands across Nigeria every rainy season.

He said the 2025 forecast aims to raise awareness and help communities prepare for recurring flood disasters.

NIHSA also listed 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs as facing moderate flood risk in 2025.

The states under high flood risk include Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, Benue, Borno, Delta, Ogun, and Kebbi.

Utsev said this year’s outlook features three segments: forecast, communication plan, and mitigation strategy.

From April to June, 657 communities across 52 LGAs face high flood risks, according to the forecast.

Between July and September, 544 communities in 142 LGAs may also experience severe flooding.

NIHSA expects 484 more communities to face high flood risk from October to November.

Moderate floods will likely affect 445 communities between April and June, and 1,458 from July to September.

Another 1,473 communities may face moderate floods from October to November, the minister said.

Utsev said flash and urban floods may hit cities like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Makurdi.

He blamed poor drainage systems and urban planning failures for increased city flooding.

He warned that coastal states may experience tidal surges and rising sea levels this year.

Utsev announced the launch of a National Flood Insurance Programme in Kogi and Jigawa States.

He also introduced the Niger Flood Project to support flood control and inland water transport.

NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed said the agency now uses better tools and satellite data for forecasting.

He said the agency now focuses on specific communities rather than only states or LGAs.

NIHSA also unveiled its Flood and Drought Dashboard to support early warning and response systems.

International agencies and partners praised Nigeria’s efforts and pledged support for stronger climate resilience.

Utsev urged Nigerians to prepare early and help reduce flood impact on lives and property.

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