THE Federal Government has issued a fresh flood alert, warning that 107 local government areas across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at risk of severe flooding between September 1 and September 15, 2025.
The advisory, released on Monday in Abuja by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) made available to News Point Nigeria, is based on projections from the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, real-time hydrometric data, river stage forecasts, and satellite monitoring.
According to the statement signed by NiHSA’s Director-General, Mr Umar Mohammed, more than 631 communities and over 50 critical infrastructure points, including highways and bridges, could be affected.
The agency warned of river overbanking, flash floods, and localised inundation in riverine and low-lying areas, with risk levels ranging from moderate to very high.
The flood alert covers a wide geographical spread, reflecting Nigeria’s complex hydrological system. The states listed include:
Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This marks one of the most extensive flood alerts in recent years, with both coastal and inland states on the watchlist.
NiHSA cautioned that the looming floods could disrupt transportation networks, destroy farmland, damage public utilities, and displace thousands of residents.
It also flagged risks of water contamination and outbreaks of waterborne diseases in affected communities. With the harvest season underway in many states, the agency warned of potential setbacks to food security if farmlands are submerged.
The agency called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and local authorities to urgently activate contingency plans, deploy rapid-response teams, and pre-position relief materials in vulnerable areas.
It further urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and local governments to intensify sensitisation campaigns, designate evacuation routes, and prepare shelters for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
“Communities and individuals should avoid flooded roads, move to higher ground where necessary, and follow official safety instructions. This alert is to safeguard lives and property, and we call for proactive measures across all levels,” Mohammed stated.
NiHSA assured Nigerians that it would maintain round-the-clock monitoring of hydrological conditions and provide real-time updates through its official platforms.
The agency appealed for collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local governments to minimise the humanitarian and economic impact of the floods.
