The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood alert for 14 Nigerian states from September 4–8, 2025, warning of heavy rainfall in 43 locations. Residents urged to stay alert

The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued an urgent flood alert for 14 Nigerian states, warning that 43 locations across the country may experience heavy rainfall and potential flooding between September 4 and 8, 2025.

Allso read: Facing the rising waters proactively: Understanding flash flooding and Lagos State’s climate resilience strategy

The alert, signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, was released through the National Flood Early Warning Centre on Thursday.

“Flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges,” the ministry said, urging citizens in affected areas to take preventive measures.

The 14 states and 43 identified flood-prone areas include:

Ebonyi State: Afikpo
Cross River State: Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap
Kano State: Gwarzo, Karaye
Zamfara State: Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum
Taraba State: Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa
Abia State: Eziama, Umuahia
Yobe State: Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum
Plateau State: Langtang, Shendam, Wase
Borno State: Ngala
Imo State: Okigwe, Otoko
Niger State: Sarki Pawa
Sokoto State: Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira
Kaduna State: Kafanchan
Akwa Ibom State: Oron

This flood alert highlights the growing impacts of climate change and inadequate urban drainage systems, especially during Nigeria’s peak rainy season. Previous years have seen thousands displaced, farmlands destroyed, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

In August 2025, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had already warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across northern states, noting flash flood risks in Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano.

In a related development, the Chinese government has donated $1 million to support Nigeria’s flood relief programs, especially in northern states.

At a signing ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, praised the donation as “timely,” noting it would boost relief and recovery efforts in affected communities.

“A transparent framework… will guide the process to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries,” Bagudu stated.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, reiterated the long-standing partnership between both nations and expressed solidarity with flood victims.

The Ministry is urging residents in vulnerable areas to:

Monitor local weather updates
Avoid flood-prone roads and communities
Clear drainages to allow water flow
Prepare emergency evacuation plans

Also read: Lagos coastline protection prioritised as state tackles climate change

“The cost of folding our hands and watching development activities degrade our environment is huge. We cannot afford this in the face of other critical needs,” said Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, at a recent stakeholders’ forum.