FG Warns of Imminent Flooding Across 19 States as Death Toll Rises

The Federal Government has issued a fresh flood warning, predicting heavy rainfall across 19 states and 76 locations between August 5 and 9, 2025. The alert, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, urges residents and stakeholders to take urgent precautionary measures.

This comes amid ongoing flood devastation in several states, including Ogun, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, and Rivers. Ogun’s Redemption City was submerged, trapping residents and RCCG convention attendees while communities in Gombe reported four fatalities and over 270 households affected.

In Lagos, heavy rains triggered flash floods across Ikorodu, Lekki, Surulere, and other areas, crippling daily activities. Viral videos showed families wading through waist-deep waters, renewing calls for lasting drainage solutions.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that over 191 lives have been lost to flooding in 2025 alone, with 94 missing and over 134,000 people affected across 20 states. Niger State recorded the highest fatalities at 163 deaths, followed by Adamawa with 26. Over 48,000 people have been displaced, and nearly 9,500 homes and farmlands damaged.

Communities in Delta, Kebbi, Bauchi, Imo, Plateau, and others have suffered similar fates, with roads, homes, and schools submerged. In Delta, six IDP camps have been activated, while Sokoto and Katsina have begun damage assessments and community sensitization.

Last week, the National Economic Council approved a flood response fund, disbursing ₦3 billion to each state and the FCT, alongside additional allocations to key federal ministries and NEMA.

In 2024 alone, floods affected over 5 million Nigerians, displaced 1.2 million, and caused 1,237 deaths. Experts warn that without proactive infrastructure, policy enforcement, and public education, the cycle of loss and displacement will persist annually.

As NiMet predicts more rain, emergency agencies urge residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert, clear drainages, and adhere to relocation advisories when necessary.