The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has issued a national flood notification for September 1-15, 2025, warning of significant flood risks across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The alert, signed by NiHSA Director-General Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, is based on projections from the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) and supported by real-time data, including hydrometric observations, river-stage forecasts, and satellite flood mapping.
Scope of Risk
The alert identifies a wide range of areas at risk, with flood levels from moderate to very high. Potential impacts include river overbanking, flash flooding, and localized inundation in low-lying and riverine communities.
The states affected are: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
In total, 107 local government areas and 631 communities are at risk. Additionally, over 50 critical transport and infrastructure points have been identified as being vulnerable to disruption.
Expected Impacts
The potential impacts of this flooding are severe and widespread:
Disruption of major transportation routes, including highways and bridges.
Threats to lives, livelihoods, property, and public infrastructure.
Increased risk of contaminated water and other public health concerns in affected areas.
Recommendations
NiHSA urges all relevant stakeholders and the public to take immediate precautionary measures.
Federal and State Ministries, NEMA, and SEMAs are advised to activate contingency plans, deploy response teams, and pre-position relief materials.
Local Government and Community Leaders should intensify sensitization campaigns, identify safe evacuation routes, and prepare shelters.
Transport and Utility Operators are advised to secure vulnerable assets, reinforce critical infrastructure, and ensure the continuity of essential services.
Communities and Residents should move to higher ground if necessary, avoid flooded roads, and strictly follow all official safety instructions.
Citizens are advised to stay alert and follow updates from official sources.
