- FCT, Lagos, Rivers, 27 other states risk high downpours
- Says flooding remains most devastating natural disaster in Nigeria
- Govt deploys pumps to address flooding in Lagos Island communities
The Federal Government has announced that about 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory will witness heavy flooding between April and November.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, disclosed this at the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency in Abuja on Thursday.
Utsav identified the high flood-risk states as Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo and Jigawa.
Others are Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister raised concerns that flooding remains one of the most devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, with climate change accelerating its frequency and severity.
He also predicted that coastal and riverine areas such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Ondo would experience flooding due to the rise in sea level and tidal surge, and this would impact fishing, wildlife habitation and river navigation.
“The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook shows that 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas in 30 States and FCT fall within the High Flood Risk Areas, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 36 States of the Federation and the FCT fall within the Moderate Flood Risk Areas.
“Flash and urban flooding are projected in major cities in the country due to high rainfall intensities, low attention to the management of water facilities including drainage systems, waterways and lack of flood resilience structures.
“Nevertheless, the flood, unlike other certain natural disasters, can be contained with proper planning and provision of necessary infrastructure. Rather than just general predictions, forecasts are now tailored to specific communities, enhancing actionable communication and preparedness at the grassroots level,” he stated.
Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah, urged stakeholders to prioritise early response.
He said, “This outlook isn’t just about numbers; it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.”
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, noted that this year’s flood forecast goes beyond mapping LGAs and now identifies specific communities at risk.
Mohammed added that the AFO’s enhanced methodology is the result of continuous feedback, technological advancement, and broad inter-agency collaboration.
“We are transforming flood data into real-time decisions and impactful resilience-building. Our focus has expanded to assess sectoral impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, offering more robust tools to policymakers and disaster risk managers,” he stated.
The 2025 AFO presentation signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s flood management strategy, one that emphasizes preparedness, science-driven planning, and community empowerment.
Govt deploys pumps to address flooding in Lagos Island communities
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has deployed pumping stations to Aroloya Street, Ojo-Giwa, Binuyo, Oroyinyin, and surrounding areas in response to reports of flooding and disruptions caused by blocked drainages in parts of Lagos Island.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab in a statement shared via his X.com page on Thursday said the government is actively working to manage storm water in the affected communities.
The initiative, he said, is targeted at alleviating the discomfort experienced by residents and business owners amid ongoing construction works in the area.
“Following reports of the inconveniences being experienced by residents of Aroloya Street, Ojo-Giwa, Binuyo, Oroyinyin and other areas in Lagos Island, the Lagos State government has set up pumping stations in the area to pump out the storm water and relieve residents and business owners in the area,” he wrote.
Wahab explained that the flooding and drainage blockages are temporary and due to ongoing construction under a wider urban regeneration plan for Lagos Island.
He added, “It should be noted that the state government has approved a total regeneration of Lagos Island; to include improving and expanding the drainage infrastructures (Primary and Secondary Channels), constructing pumping stations with smart sensors for flood control, and promoting sustainable urban regeneration by reconstructing major roads within the area to address tidal challenges, and contractors are presently on site.
“This temporary blockage of the drainages is as a result of the ongoing constructions.”
The commissioner appealed to residents for patience and cooperation during the construction period saying, “We plead with residents to bear with the government as the construction will be completed in a very short time. Stakeholders are expected to contribute by properly disposing of their waste in accordance with the guidelines set by #followlasg and by cooperating with the contractors.”
While acknowledging that some disruptions are inevitable, the commissioner assured residents that the administration remains committed to their well-being.
“While efforts are being made to minimize inconveniences, occasional disruptions may occur. But be rest assured that the welfare of Lagosians is paramount to the government,” he said.
The regeneration project is part of the broader state initiative to build a more resilient and livable Lagos, especially in flood-prone areas.