ABUJA — The Federal Government has issued a stark warning that 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are currently at significant risk of flooding, reminiscent of the recent disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, where over 200 lives were lost.
The catastrophic flooding in Mokwa not only claimed numerous lives but also destroyed several homes, leaving thousands homeless and over 500 individuals unaccounted for.
States identified as high flood risk areas include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.
Engr. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized during a briefing in Abuja that the Mokwa flood was not due to water releases from the Kainji and Jebba dams but was primarily caused by intense rainfall exacerbated by climate change.
He attributed the high casualty rate to the public’s disregard for flood warnings and urged state governments to implement measures to mitigate potential flooding that could endanger lives and properties.
“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation extends its heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Niger State, especially the affected communities in Mokwa, who have suffered losses due to this natural disaster,” Utsev stated.
He clarified that the flood was not a result of water releases from the Kainji or Jebba dams, both of which remain intact and safe.
Commending the swift response of the Niger State government, local authorities, and first responders, Utsev highlighted that the flood in Mokwa was primarily due to heavy rainfall from extreme weather conditions linked to climate change, which overwhelmed local drainage systems.
Unregulated construction activities further exacerbated the situation by obstructing an ephemeral tributary of River Dingi, a tributary of River Niger, which typically remains dry and relies solely on rainfall runoff.
The absence of efficient alternative pathways to redirect excess water intensified the flood’s impact on the communities.
Utsev referenced the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on April 10, 2025, which predicted flooding in 19 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, including Mokwa LGA.
2025 Annual Flood Outlook
The 2025 AFO report indicated that 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs across 33 states and the FCT are within high flood risk areas, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 31 states and the FCT fall within moderate flood risk zones.
High flood risk states, as identified by NIHSA, include Abia, 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, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Utsev reiterated the key warnings and recommendations from the 2025 AFO, urging states and local governments to act on early warnings by strengthening drainage infrastructure, relocating vulnerable communities from flood plains, conducting sustained public awareness campaigns, and enforcing land-use regulations to prevent encroachment into flood-prone areas.
He emphasized that the AFO provides a comprehensive overview of flood risks, potential flood-prone areas, expected flood levels, and recommended adaptation and mitigation measures to minimize flood impact.
Stakeholders are advised to visit the NIHSA flood forecast dashboard at nihsa. for detailed information and proactive measures to mitigate flood impacts in their regions.
Utsev highlighted that recent flood events underscore the increasing impacts of climate change on the environment and water systems, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe.
He called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to collaborate in building safer, more resilient communities.
Technical personnel from the Ministry, NIHSA, Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) are currently in Mokwa assessing the flood’s cause to develop an appropriate report.
States Begin Proactive Measures
Delta State’s Preemptive Actions
Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, stated that the state government is taking proactive steps to consolidate on previous efforts, including massive de-siltation and opening up waterways across the three senatorial districts.
He mentioned the establishment of IDP camps in Kwale, Bomadi, Patani, Otu-Jeremi, Ozoro, and Asaba, and emphasized the importance of community awareness and orientation, especially for those living in flood-prone areas.
Bayelsa State’s Mitigation Efforts
In Bayelsa State, where flooding is a perennial issue due to its geographical location, the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control has initiated the opening and clearing of canals to prevent flooding.
Director-General Surv Wilson Omuso stated that while flooding cannot be entirely eliminated, its damage can be minimized through preparedness and coordinated response.
Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on Environment, Morris Alagoa, highlighted the state’s unique geographical features and the steps being taken by the administration to tackle flood and erosion-related matters, including the establishment of the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control in 2023.
NEMA’s Readiness in Rivers State
In Rivers State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) expressed its readiness to tackle flood emergencies, with the head of operations in Rivers/Bayelsa states, Eric Ebhodaghe, stating that the agency has been disseminating information from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) to stakeholders and has procured necessary items to assist potential flood victims.
He noted that volunteers have been trained across the state to handle critical situations, and efforts have been made to manage waste that blocks water channels.
Borno State’s Sensitization Campaigns
In Borno State, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and NEMA have embarked on aggressive sensitization campaigns.
Executive Secretary of Borno Geographic Information System (BOGIS), Engineer Adam Bababe, inaugurated a 13-man committee to demarcate boundaries and control developments along river banks and buffer zones in Maiduguri and its environs.
He warned against developing structures along waterways and buffer zones, stating that the state government will not compensate for any demolished property without legal title or approval.
Ondo State’s Preparedness
Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the government has embarked on continuous channelization across the state, especially in areas like Akure, Ondo, and Idanre, and is well-prepared to handle any flooding incidents.
Ogun State’s Flood Mitigation Efforts
Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, advised residents in areas like Ijebu-Ode, Ota, Owode, Abeokuta, Onihale in Ifo, Sagamu, Iperu, and Ilishan to be cautious of expected flash floods.
He mentioned that the government has de-silted 988.3km of rivers, streams, and drainage channels to minimize flood occurrences.
Ogun Residents Advised to Relocate Ahead of Coastal Flood Season
Residents in flood-prone communities across Ogun State, including Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa, Yemule River banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Ayila, Makun, Iwopin, and Igele in Ogun Waterside, as well as Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East, and Sokori, Arakanga, Onikoko River in Abeokuta, have been urged to vacate their homes before the anticipated coastal flooding period between September and November.
Communities in Sagamu such as Eruwuru, Eri, Ibu, Majopa, Odan, Sensen, and those in Ado Odo/Ota LGA including Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu, and Isakale are also advised to seek safer grounds.
To reduce the risk and impact of flooding, the Ogun State Government revealed that it has desilted approximately 988.3 kilometers of rivers, streams, and drainages over the past five years. Additionally, the government has built 698 meters of concrete drainage channels and culverts of various sizes to improve water flow and prevent blockages.
Motorists and commuters are warned to avoid driving or riding through flooded areas during heavy rains. Community Development Associations (CDAs) are also urged to sensitize their residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage systems or building on flood paths, as violators will face strict penalties.
Osun State Intensifies Dredging and Waste Clearance Efforts
In Osun State, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Mayowa Adejoorin, stated that the government commenced extensive dredging of waterways in October of the previous year. The move is aimed at widening channels to facilitate free flow of water and prevent flooding.
Efforts also include the removal of illegally dumped waste and debris across critical drainages and culverts. According to Mr. Adejoorin, the state has also rolled out strong public sensitization campaigns and introduced strict penalties for those caught dumping refuse indiscriminately.
Oyo State Reaffirms Flood Preparedness
The Commissioner for Environment in Oyo State, Seun Ashamu, has reassured residents of the state’s proactive flood mitigation measures ahead of the rainy season.
Ashamu highlighted that public enlightenment campaigns are ongoing to educate the masses about flood risks and safety procedures. He also noted that the state is working closely with NEMA to deploy early warning systems and prepare emergency response strategies.
“We’re ensuring that residents are familiar with evacuation routes and that our drainage systems are properly maintained to minimize the threat of flooding,” Ashamu added. He emphasized the importance of community participation and inter-agency collaboration for an effective response.
Zamfara Government Targets Flood-Prone LGAs with Preventive Measures
The Zamfara Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA) has scaled up its flood preparedness activities. According to the Executive Secretary, Ambassador Ahmed Bala, targeted interventions have begun in vulnerable local government areas such as Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Talata-Mafara, among others.
ZEMA has launched public education campaigns focused on keeping drainages clear and discouraging waste disposal in waterways. Ambassador Bala reiterated that the agency is working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Environment, local leaders, and other stakeholders to remove blockages and promote environmental sanitation.
He called on residents to support these efforts by maintaining a clean environment and adhering to government guidelines.
Cross River SEMA Engages Stakeholders Ahead of Flood Season
In Cross River State, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has activated its flood response strategy across the 18 local government areas. According to SEMA Director General Gill Antigha, stakeholder meetings have been scheduled to enhance preparedness through sensitization and simulation exercises.
“Community heads, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and emergency responders like the Red Cross and Road Safety Corps are all being mobilized to support these efforts,” Antigha stated. The agency has also begun running radio and TV awareness campaigns urging residents in flood-prone riverine communities to relocate to higher ground.
Lagos Intensifies Weather Monitoring and Flood Management
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State, assured citizens that Lagos is fully equipped to handle the rains. He encouraged those living in low-lying areas to proactively move upland when needed to avoid loss of life and property.
Wahab noted that Lagos has installed a network of weather and river gauge stations to enhance monitoring of flood conditions and better coordinate emergency responses. He stressed that the state continues to collaborate with NiMet for reliable seasonal climate predictions, which support timely and informed action across various sectors.
“Thanks to our rigorous planning and flood control infrastructure, Lagos is more prepared than ever to handle the annual rainfall,” Wahab added.
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