Ondo, Oyo, Kano….. FG issues fresh flood alert in 15 states

The federal government of Nigeria has issued a fresh warning of possible flooding in parts of the country, urging residents and authorities in high-risk areas to brace for heavy rainfall between September 24 and 28.

In an advisory released on Wednesday, the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Ministry of Environment listed 15 states and 69 communities likely to be affected.

The states include Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.

Some of the identified flood-prone communities are Yola, Yenagoa, Warri, Benin City, Oguta, Kano, Jibia, Akure, Oyo, Ahoada, Shagari, Serti and Gusau.

“The heavy rainfall forecast for these locations may lead to flooding in the identified communities and their environs. Stakeholders are therefore advised to prepare adequately and implement preventive actions,” said Bokani, an official of the centre.

The ministry explained that the alert is part of its early-warning measures designed to minimise the impact of flooding on lives and property at the peak of the rainy season. It also called on local governments, residents, and emergency response agencies to step up preparedness and take precautionary steps.

The latest advisory follows recent flooding in Lagos, which left major roads impassable, disrupted commercial activities, and damaged homes and businesses.

Nigeria has struggled with recurring floods during the rainy season, with experts linking the crisis to climate change, poor drainage infrastructure and uncontrolled urban development.

In 2022, the country experienced its deadliest flooding in a decade, which claimed over 600 lives, displaced more than 1.4 million people, and destroyed vast farmlands.

Both the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had earlier warned of heightened flood risks across several regions in 2025.