The Federal Government has sounded an alarm over imminent heavy rainfall expected to hit parts of the country, warning that several communities across 16 states could experience flooding over the next five days.
In a fresh advisory released through the Federal Ministry of Environment, the government cautioned residents in identified high-risk areas to brace up for possible flash floods between October 4 and October 8, 2025.
According to the ministry, the warning follows projections by the National Flood Early Warning Centre (NFEWC), which highlighted that 39 locations across the 16 states are likely to be impacted by intense rainfall and overflowing water channels.
The statement, signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, urged state governments and local authorities to implement proactive safety measures to reduce the risk to lives and property.
“This alert is not to create panic but to encourage timely action. Early evacuation, clearing of drainages, and strict monitoring of waterways are key to preventing avoidable losses,” Bokani said.
The states expected to experience varying levels of flooding include Delta (Asaba), Yobe (Damaturu), Sokoto (Isa), Zamfara (Anka, Bungudu, Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi), Katsina (Jibia), Oyo (Kisi, Oyo), Kebbi (Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa), Kano (Gwarzo, Sumaila, Karaye), and Niger (Kontagora, Mashegu, Mokwa, New Bussa, Rijau, Wushishi).
Others include Kwara (Kosubosu), Benue (Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Katsina-Ala, Ugba), Borno (Briyel), Bayelsa (Brass, Ikpidiama, Odoni), Cross River (Edor, Ikom), Rivers (Itu, Ahoada), and Enugu (Nsukka).
The ministry emphasized that the pattern of rainfall observed in recent weeks has intensified the risk of flash floods, especially in low-lying communities and areas with blocked drainage systems.
In its advisory, the government appealed to residents in the affected states to stay informed through official channels, avoid crossing flooded roads, and report early signs of water level rise to local emergency desks.
Meanwhile, data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that as of September 20, at least 232 people had lost their lives, and over 121,000 individuals had been displaced by floods across the country.
The 2025 flood dashboard also indicated that 339,658 Nigerians have been affected, with 681 sustaining injuries of varying severity.
Environmental analysts have urged governments at all levels to prioritize long-term flood control infrastructure and community sensitization.
“Every year, flood alerts are issued, but the level of preparedness remains low,” said environmental policy expert, Dr. Amina Sulaiman.
“This time, early response could make the difference between a manageable disaster and a national crisis.”
With the rainy season nearing its peak, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with NEMA and state emergency agencies to ensure swift responses in the event of flooding.