KEY POINTS

• 1,249 communities in 33 states and the FCT at high flood risk in 2025.

• Lagos, Rivers, and other major cities to experience flash and urban flooding.

• The Federal Government introduces initiatives to enhance resilience and climate resilience.

NIHSA has identified 1,249 communities located in 176 Local Government Areas of 33 states alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as facing high risk of flooding in 2025.

During the official presentation of 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Professor Joseph Utsev in Abuja this announcement became clear.

High-risk states and flooding

According to the forecast Lagos along with Rivers and the FCT together with 31 other states fall within the high-risk areas yet multiple other states are classified as areas with moderate flood potential. Among the recommended regions affected by flooding are Abia alongside Akwa Ibom and Bauchi and Bayelsa and Edo and several others encompassing Lagos and Rivers.

The forthcoming predictions show 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs that will face moderate flood exposure along with chances of flash floods, urban flooding and rising sea levels especially in coastal states.

Preparedness and mitigation strategies

During his message the minister declared community preparedness as essential because recurring floods have serious consequences for both livelihoods and infrastructure. The forecast consists of three essential sections which include the general forecast together with warning dissemination strategies and flood mitigation plans.

A specific group of communities faces high-risk flooding throughout the four-month period extending from April to November.

Flood in major cities

The cities of Abuja along with Lagos and Port Harcourt and Ibadan experience flash and urban flooding since they lack proper drainage systems and weak infrastructure exists. The ascension of sea levels and tidal surges within Bayelsa and Cross River and Lagos leads to flooding that endanger the local economy and water-based industries.

Flood resilience initiatives

Utsev launched two major flood resilience projects including the pilot program of the National Flood Insurance Programme in Kogi and Jigawa states as well as the Niger Flood Project designed for river navigation improvement together with flood management and climate resilience programs. The Integrated Climate Resilience Project along with Annual Drought Outlook were highlighted in his speech.

Strengthening community resilience

The agency leverages modern technology to provide precise and prompt prediction services according to Umar Mohammed who leads NIHSA. The forecast targets vulnerable communities in order to build their ability to resist threats and implement preventive control measures.

An important presentation took place at the event regarding the NIHSA Flood and Drought Dashboard.