The federal government has raised alarm over the likelihood of heavy rainfall and flooding across several parts of the country this week.
In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the ministry of environment said that between September 24 and 28, at least 15 states and 69 communities could be affected.
The states listed include Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.
Communities specifically identified as flood-prone are Yola, Yenagoa, Warri, Benin City, Oguta, Kano, Jibia, Akure, Oyo, Ahoada, Shagari, Serti and Gusau.
“The heavy rainfall forecast for these locations may lead to flooding in the identified communities and their environs. Stakeholders are therefore advised to prepare adequately and implement preventive actions,” the centre’s coordinator, Bokani, stated.
The ministry noted that the alert forms part of its early-warning system aimed at reducing casualties and protecting property as Nigeria approaches the height of the rainy season.
It urged residents, local councils and emergency agencies to take proactive steps.
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The advisory follows widespread flooding in Lagos days ago, which submerged homes, disrupted businesses and rendered major roads impassable.
Flooding has remained a major seasonal threat in Nigeria. In 2022, the country suffered its worst incident in a decade, with over 600 lives lost, more than a million displaced, and large farmlands destroyed.
Experts continue to link the rising frequency of floods to climate change, poor urban planning and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had earlier warned of heightened flood risks in 2025.