The Federal Ministry of Environment has warned that 14 states and 43 locations across Nigeria may experience severe flooding between September 4 and September 8, 2025, following forecasts of heavy rainfall.
The alert, released on Thursday through the National Flood Early Warning Centre and signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, highlights communities most at risk, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
Flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent environmental crises, often leading to displacement, farmland destruction, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Experts say climate change, coupled with poor drainage infrastructure, continues to exacerbate the problem.
States on Alert
The ministry listed flood-prone areas in Ebonyi (Afikpo), Cross River (Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap), Kano (Gwarzo, Karaye), Zamfara (Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum), Taraba (Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa), Abia (Eziama, Umuahia), Yobe (Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum), Plateau (Langtang, Shendam, Wase), Borno (Ngala), Imo (Okigwe, Otoko), Niger (Sarki Pawa), Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira), Kaduna (Kafanchan), and Akwa Ibom (Oron).
Support Efforts and Relief
The warning comes as the Chinese government donated $1 million to Nigeria’s flood relief efforts in the north. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, who signed the exchange notes with Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai in Abuja, said the intervention would provide much-needed support for displaced communities.
“We firmly believe that today’s signing ceremony will open new avenues for collaboration, strengthening our strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” Bagudu said, assuring that the grant would be managed under a transparent monitoring and evaluation framework agreed with the Chinese Embassy.
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Ambassador Dunhai expressed solidarity with Nigeria, recalling that both nations had recently endured devastating floods.
“In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of thunderstorms and flash floods in several northern states, including Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano, during the same period.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and comply with safety advisories to mitigate loss of lives and property.