The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood alert for 14 states, warning that 43 locations may experience heavy rainfall and possible flooding between September 4 and 8, 2025.
The alert, released on Thursday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre and signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, highlighted the growing risk of flooding across Nigeria.
Flooding remains one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges, often resulting in displacement, destruction of farmlands, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
In recent years, heavy rains have intensified the crisis, leaving thousands homeless and without livelihoods.
The states and locations listed 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)
- Yobe (Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum)
- Plateau (Langtang, Shendam, Wase)
- Borno (Ngala)
- Imo (Okigwe, Otoko)
- Niger (Sarki Pawa)
- Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira)
- Kaduna (Kafanchan)
- Akwa Ibom (Oron)
The alert comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with the twin challenges of climate change and poor drainage infrastructure, which leave many communities vulnerable during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, flood relief efforts have received a boost following a $1 million donation from the Chinese government to support victims in northern states.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, signed the exchange notes in Abuja with China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai. Bagudu described the intervention as timely, noting that it would strengthen government efforts to deliver relief materials and rebuild livelihoods.
“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 said,
He added that a joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism had been agreed with the Chinese Embassy.
Ambassador Dunhai expressed China’s solidarity with Nigeria, recalling the devastating floods experienced by both nations.
“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.
