FG Forecasts Heavy Rainfall and Floods in 30 States 2025

2025 Weather Alert: Floods Expected in 30 States and FCT

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a warning that 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at high risk of heavy rainfall and severe flooding between April and November 2025. This alert was announced during the presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in Abuja.

High-Risk Areas

According to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, approximately 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) fall within high-risk flood zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs are expected to experience moderate flooding. States identified in the high-risk category 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​
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT)​

Urban and Coastal Flooding Concerns

The forecast also highlights the potential for flash and urban flooding in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi. These risks are attributed to inadequate drainage systems and weak infrastructure. Coastal states like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo are particularly vulnerable to flooding caused by rising sea levels and tidal surges, threatening livelihoods and river-based activities.

Government Initiatives

To mitigate the anticipated impacts, the government has introduced several initiatives:​

• National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP): A pilot scheme in Kogi and Jigawa states aimed at providing financial protection for households, farms, and livestock.​
• Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project (I-CRIP): Focused on enhancing food and water security through climate-smart strategies.​
• NigerFLOOD Project: Aimed at improving flood control and river management.

Community-Based Forecasting

NIHSA has adopted a community-based flood prediction model to provide precise, location-specific forecasts. This approach aims to enhance preparedness by delivering actionable information tailored to individual communities.

Residents in the identified high-risk areas are advised to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property.​

For a detailed overview of the 2025 flood forecast, you can watch the official presentation below: