The Federal Government has raised an urgent alarm over the imminent threat of flooding in 38 locations across 11 states in Nigeria, warning that heavy rainfall predicted between Wednesday, July 16, and Sunday, July 20, 2025, could trigger widespread flooding.
The alert, which was made public on Wednesday, was issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Flood Early Warning Centre, a specialised unit under the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department. The statement was officially signed by the department’s Director, Usman Bokani.
According to the ministry’s forecast, the states projected to experience flooding include Adamawa, specifically Mubi; Akwa Ibom with areas such as Edor, Upenekang, Oron, and Eket; and Borno, where Ngala and Maiduguri are under threat.
Bauchi is particularly vulnerable, with locations such as Azare, Bauchi, Itas, Jama’are, Kafin-Madaki, Jama’a, Kari, and Misau listed as high-risk areas. Plateau State is also on the list, including Jos, Bukuru, and Mangu.
Other identified hotspots include Yobe (Jakusko, Machina, Dapchi), Katsina (Daura), and Kano (Kunchi, Kano city, Gezawa, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, and Tudun Wada). In Jigawa, the areas flagged are Miga, Gwaram, Diginsa, Ringim, and Dutse.
Additionally, Calabar and Akpap in Cross River State, as well as Bungudu and Gusau in Zamfara State, have been named as flood-prone locations during the specified period.
This latest warning follows the government’s continued efforts to mitigate the country’s vulnerability to seasonal floods, a challenge that has intensified due to climate change and inadequate urban planning.
Notably, the government recently initiated the development of the National Flood Insurance Policy, a critical step aimed at enhancing the nation’s resilience against flood disasters.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Technical Committee Meeting on the formulation of the insurance policy held in Abuja in June, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, described the escalating frequency of flooding in Nigeria as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.
Represented by Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director of the Department of Flood, Erosion Control and Coastal Management, Kambari identified climate change, rapid urbanisation, and insufficient infrastructure as the primary drivers of recurring flood incidents in the country.
He further explained that the proposed National Flood Insurance Programme is designed to provide financial relief to affected individuals, communities, and businesses.
The policy is also expected to alleviate the fiscal burden on the government during emergencies, while promoting a culture of shared responsibility among federal, state, and private sector stakeholders.
With the heavy rains forecasted, the government is urging residents in the identified flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.