The Federal Government has issued a flood alert for 14 states, warning that heavy rainfall over the next five days could trigger flooding in at least 43 locations across Nigeria.
The warning, released Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre, was signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani. It cautions that from September 4 to September 8, 2025, communities in multiple states face a high risk of flooding as intense rains continue nationwide.
Flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent environmental crises, routinely displacing thousands, destroying farmland, and worsening outbreaks of waterborne diseases. In recent years, climate change and inadequate drainage systems have amplified the problem, leaving communities across the country vulnerable during the rainy season.
According to the ministry, the states likely to be affected include Ebonyi (Afikpo), Cross River (Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap), Kano (Gwarzo, Karaye), Zamfara (Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum), Taraba (Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa), Abia (Eziama, Umuahia), and Yobe (Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum).
Other states include Plateau (Langtang, Shendam, Wase), Borno (Ngala), Imo (Okigwe, Otoko), Niger (Sarki Pawa), Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira), Kaduna (Kafanchan), and Akwa Ibom (Oron).
The alert comes just weeks after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency warned of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across northern states, cautioning that flash floods could occur in Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano.
Meanwhile, the government’s flood relief efforts received a boost this week after the Chinese government donated $1 million to support victims in the northern states. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, signed the exchange notes with China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
Bagudu described the donation as timely, saying it would complement government efforts to deliver relief materials and help rebuild livelihoods in flood-ravaged communities. “We firmly believe that today’s signing ceremony will open new avenues for collaboration, strengthening our strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” he said.
He assured that the grant would be managed transparently. “A transparent framework, leveraging past experiences and unified templates, will guide the process to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries in the most efficient and impactful manner,” he noted. Bagudu also disclosed that both governments had agreed on a joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism.
Ambassador Dunhai expressed China’s solidarity with Nigeria, noting that both nations have recently endured devastating floods. “We would like to express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and also convey our support. In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” he said.
With forecasts of more rainfall ahead, authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, as Nigeria continues to confront the growing risks of climate change and extreme weather.