The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a stark warning, identifying 1,249 communities across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at high risk of flooding in its 2025 annual flood outlook.
This announcement, made during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, highlights the increasing threat of flooding exacerbated by climate change.
Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the severity of flooding as one of Nigeria’s most devastating natural disasters.
He disclosed that an additional 2,187 communities spread across 293 local government areas face moderate flood risks this year.
Among the high-risk states listed are Abia, Lagos, Jigawa, Niger, and the FCT, with NIHSA launching a community-based predicting initiative aimed at providing precise forecasts tailored to localities.
“In response to these risks, NIHSA has enhanced its flood forecasting mechanisms to ensure timely and actionable risk information,” Minister Utsev stated.
He underscored the importance of effective communication in delivering early warnings to vulnerable communities, stressing the agency’s commitment to community-focused forecasts.
Furthermore, the minister announced strategic initiatives including the national flood insurance programme (NFIP) and the integrated climate resilience innovation project (I-CRIP).
The NFIP, piloted in Kogi and Jigawa states, aims to safeguard vulnerable households, agricultural lands, and livestock through comprehensive insurance coverage.
The government’s proactive measures come in the wake of significant flooding in 2024, which claimed 321 lives, affected over 1.37 million people, and displaced more than 740,000 individuals nationwide.
As Nigeria braces for another potentially devastating flood season, the Ministry of Water Resources and NIHSA continue to roll out preventive measures and emergency response strategies to mitigate the impact on affected communities.
For more detailed information on flood risks and preventive measures, visit the NIHSA website or contact local authorities.
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