The Federal Government has issued a dire warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across 15 states, affecting 69 communities between 24th and 28th September 2025.
Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, signed the critical alert on Wednesday through the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Ministry of Environment.
“The heavy rainfall forecast for these locations may lead to flooding in the identified communities and their environs,” Bokani stated in the advisory. “Stakeholders are therefore advised to prepare adequately and implement preventive actions.”
The warning covers parts of Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara states.
High-risk areas include major population centres such as Yola, Yenagoa, Warri, Benin City, Oguta, Kano, Jibia, Akure, Oyo, Ahoada, Shagari, Serti, and Gusau, according to the ministry’s detailed assessment.
The ministry emphasised that the warning forms part of its routine early-warning system designed to reduce loss of lives and property during Nigeria’s peak rainy season. Officials urged residents, state governments, and emergency agencies to take immediate precautionary measures.
Nigeria continues to grapple with devastating annual flooding that wreaks havoc on lives, infrastructure, and food security. According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency, at least 232 people have died from floods this year as of 20th September, with 121,224 displaced and 339,658 affected. Additionally, 681 persons have sustained injuries.
State governments in the affected regions are expected to activate their emergency response mechanisms, whilst residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move to higher ground and prepare emergency evacuation plans.
