File photo of flooding in Ogun and Lagos border communities in 2023
The federal government has warned of heavy rainfall and possible flooding in 15 states and 69 communities between September 24 and 28.
In an advisory on Wednesday, the ministry of environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre said the forecast covers Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.
Communities at risk include Yola, Yenagoa, Warri, Benin City, Oguta, Kano, Jibia, Akure, Oyo, Ahoada, Shagari, Serti and Gusau, among others.
“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,” Bokani said.
Advertisement
The ministry added that the alert is part of its regular early-warning system to reduce the risk of loss of lives and property at the peak of the rainy season. Residents, local governments and emergency response agencies were urged to take precautionary measures.
The warning comes days after downpour submerged parts of Lagos, disrupting businesses, destroying homes and leaving major roads impassable.
Severe flooding has become a recurring challenge in Nigeria during the rainy season.
Advertisement
In 2022, the country recorded its worst flood in a decade, which killed over 600 people, displaced 1.4 million, and destroyed swathes of farmland.
Experts blame the growing frequency and impact of floods on climate change, poor drainage systems, and unregulated urban growth.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had earlier predicted high flood risks in several parts of the country in 2025.
Advertisement
