July 2025 Flood Alert: FG Warns 27 States and FCT of Imminent Flooding in 739 Communities
Story written by okafor joseph July 23, 2025
FG Issues Urgent Flood Warning for 27 States and FCT, Over 700 Communities at Risk
The Federal Government has issued an urgent flood alert affecting 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning of potential large-scale flooding in over 739 communities between July 22 and August 5, 2025.
This critical announcement was made by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in a statement released on Tuesday. According to Umar Mohammad, Director-General of NIHSA, the warning is based on updated hydrological forecasts derived from the agency’s 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released in April.
NIHSA placed strategic cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Lokoja on a high-alert watchlist, citing significant flood risks in 162 local government areas (LGAs).
“There is an increased risk of damage to homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure in low-lying and flood-prone communities,” the statement warned.
States at High Risk of Flooding:
The following states are projected to experience severe flooding:
Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
Transportation Routes Under Threat:
NIHSA also flagged over 100 major transport corridors as vulnerable to flood disruption. Key routes include:
- Okene–Lokoja–Abuja Road
- Birnin Kebbi–Bunza Road
- Ibi–Wukari Road
The agency expressed concern that heavy flooding could paralyze transportation networks and severely disrupt the movement of people and goods across the country.
Food Security at Stake:
Flooding is also expected to have a devastating impact on farmlands, with ripple effects on food production and national food security.
Call to Action:
NIHSA urged state governments, local councils, and emergency response agencies to activate disaster response strategies, including early warning systems, public sensitization campaigns, and evacuation plans where necessary.
Residents living in low-lying areas or locations previously affected by flooding are advised to:
- Stay informed through official channels
- Prepare emergency kits
- Be ready to evacuate if necessary
For real-time updates, the public is encouraged to follow NIHSA’s flood monitoring dashboard via www.nihsa.gov.ng and verified social media pages.
