The Federal Ministry of Environment has sounded a fresh alarm, warning that heavy rainfall expected between September 24 and 28, 2025 may unleash dangerous flooding across 15 states and 69 specific locations in Nigeria.
The alert was issued through the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Ministry’s Department of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, led by Usman Abdullahi Bokani. Authorities say the goal is to ensure communities act early to reduce loss of life and property as the rains intensify.
Among the high-risk states listed are Adamawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Kano, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Zamfara, Anambra, Edo, Imo, Katsina, Ondo, Sokoto, and parts of the FCT. Specific communities such as Jimeta, Yenagoa, Asaba, Kano, Oyo town, Gembu, Gusau, Benin City, Oguta, Akure, Jibia, and Shagari were flagged for likely flooding.
The Ministry stressed that communities along the Niger, Benue, and Gongola rivers are particularly vulnerable. Residents in these areas have been advised to prepare for evacuation, strengthen drainage systems, and cooperate with emergency response agencies.
Already, Nigeria’s 2025 flood season has been devastating. Government figures show 232 people have died, 121,224 displaced, and over 339,000 affected nationwide. The deadliest so far was the Mokwa flood in Niger State, which claimed more than 500 lives earlier this year.
Officials warn the upcoming rains could worsen the humanitarian crisis unless proactive measures are taken. Relief agencies are being urged to pre-position aid, while state governments have been asked to clear waterways and mobilise local disaster committees.
For millions living along flood plains, the next few days could determine whether this year’s flooding becomes one of Nigeria’s worst in history.
