Lagos, Abuja, Abia, Taraba, 27 others to experience severe flooding

The Federal Government has warned that 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, fall within the high flood-risk areas in 2025.

The warning was issued during the presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, in Abuja on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

According to the forecast, an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs across 31 states and the FCT are expected to experience moderate flood risk this year.

States identified in the high-risk category include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, and Abuja.

Others are; Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Utsev noted that floods are among the most devastating natural disasters affecting lives, property, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Utsev said the 2025 forecast is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging preparedness among citizens, particularly in vulnerable communities.

He stated that this year’s theme on community preparedness and adaptation is timely, given the recurring floods and their impact on livelihoods and infrastructure.

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The minister noted that the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook has been segmented into three parts to enhance flood preparedness.

These include a general flood forecast, a communication strategy for effective warning dissemination, and a mitigation plan to reduce exposure and vulnerability.

Utsev said: “According to the forecast, 657 communities in 52 LGAs are expected to experience high flood risk between April and June.

“544 communities in 142 LGAs between July and September, and 484 communities in 56 LGAs from October to November.

“Moderate flood risk is projected for 445 communities in 116 LGAs from April to June, 1,458 communities in 271 LGAs from July to September, and 1,473 communities in 171 LGAs between October and November.”

The minister said flash and urban flooding are expected in major cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi, largely due to poor drainage and weak infrastructure.

According to him, coastal states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo may also experience flooding caused by rising sea levels and tidal surges, posing a threat to livelihoods and river-based activities.

Utsev announced initiatives such as a National Flood Insurance Programme, to be piloted in Kogi and Jigawa States, and the Niger Flood Project to boost river navigation, flood control, and climate resilience.

The Star