As the rainy season peaks, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a strong flood warning for July 2025, placing over 20 states at heightened risk of flash floods. The alert, released earlier this month, signals urgent attention for millions living in vulnerable regions across Nigeria.
States on High Alert
Among the most endangered areas are
North/Northeast: Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue
South/Southwest: Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo
Sokoto, in particular, has been listed as extremely high-risk, followed closely by Lagos, Benue, and Bayelsa due to their low-lying geography and poor drainage infrastructure.
Why This Alert Matters
According to NiMet and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), recent assessments show that:
Over 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas are at high risk of flooding in 2025.
Another 2,187 communities are listed under moderate flood risk, putting critical infrastructure, homes, and farmlands in jeopardy.
The danger is not just from river overflows but increasingly from flash floods, which occur with little warning and can sweep away property, vehicles, and even lives.
What Causes These Floods?
Several factors contribute to Nigeria’s annual flood crisis:
Heavy rainfall, typical in July and August
Blocked drainage systems in major cities
Unplanned urban development
Rising water levels in rivers and floodplains
Climate change, intensifying rain cycles across West Africa
With past disasters like the Mokwa Floods, which killed hundreds and displaced thousands earlier this year, authorities are stressing the need for immediate public awareness and action.
NiMet’s Safety Guidelines
To help Nigerians stay safe, NiMet has released the following flood preparedness advice:
Clear all drains, gutters, and culverts in your area
Keep emergency kits (food, water, flashlights, medicine) ready
Turn off electricity/gas if flooding starts
Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters
Move to higher ground or safer shelters if you live in flood-prone zones
Local councils have also been advised to activate emergency protocols and keep rescue services on standby.
What Is the Government Doing?
The Nigerian government, through agencies like NIHSA and the Environment Ministry, has begun
Community-based flood forecasting
Launching an Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) each year
Expanding real-time monitoring systems for rivers
Planning new drainage and flood defense projects in high-risk cities
Despite a ₦620 billion intervention budget previously allocated, the recurring nature of these floods calls for better urban planning, early warning systems, and grassroots involvement.
conclusion
Floods are becoming an annual threat in Nigeria—but they don’t have to be deadly. The warnings are clear, the risk zones are mapped, and the advice is practical. Now, it’s up to every Nigerian to stay informed, prepared, and proactive.
Whether you live in Sokoto or Lagos, preparedness can be the difference between safety and catastrophe.
Are you living in a flood-prone area? What precautions are you taking this rainy season? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments.
