33 States, FCT At High Risk, Says NIHSA

The Nigeria Hydrological Providers Company (NIHSA) has unveiled its Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), indicating that 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at excessive danger of extreme flooding in 2025.

Talking on the official presentation of the 2025 AFO on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Water Assets and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, unveiled an in depth forecast highlighting 1,249 communities throughout 176 native authorities areas (LGAs) of the nation as high-risk zones.

The states recognized within the high-risk class embrace Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

“We’re 1,249 high-risk communities and a pair of,187 others going through average dangers throughout 31 states and the FCT. Flooding stays probably the most damaging pure disasters, and proactive planning is non-negotiable,” he stated.

The outlook, themed “Flood Resilience: Specializing in Communities Preparedness and Adaptation Methods for Flood Administration,” was a shift in the direction of localised, seasonal forecasting that empowers native governments and communities to take early motion.

Based on the forecast, the high-risk intervals have been divided into three phases: April–June: 657 communities in 52 LGAs, July–September: 544 communities in 142 LGAs, October–November: 484 communities in 56 LGAs.

Flash and concrete flooding are anticipated in main cities corresponding to Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan because of heavy rainfall and poor drainage techniques. Additionally, coastal and riverine flooding is anticipated in states like Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo because of rising sea ranges and tidal surges.

To bolster nationwide flood resilience, the minister introduced new initiatives together with Nationwide Flood Insurance coverage Programme (pilot part in Kogi and Jigawa) Built-in Local weather Resilience Innovation Venture, Niger Flood Venture for improved water useful resource administration and Annual Drought Outlook to assist built-in planning

NIHSA Director Common, Umar Ibrahim Muhammed, underscored the position of superior expertise and knowledge in producing location-specific forecasts. He stated the outlook consists of sectoral danger assessments for well being, agriculture, schooling, and infrastructure, providing actionable insights for catastrophe administration.