Flood Alert: Environment Ministry Warns Residents in 12 States

The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a fresh flood warning, urging residents in parts of 12 states to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding between September 26 and 28, 2025.

According to the National Flood Early Warning Centre (NFEWC), the states at risk include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Niger.

The ministry highlighted specific areas considered most vulnerable. In Abia, Aba, Eziama, and Umuahia are at risk, while in Akwa Ibom, Edor, Eket, Ikom, Itigidi, Oron, and Upenekang face potential flooding. In Benue, the affected communities include Abinsi, Agyo, Igumale, Mbapa, Otobi, Otukpo, and Ugbokolo, while Bama town in Borno is also under alert. Other vulnerable locations include Akpap, Edor, Obubra, and Calabar in Cross River; Abakaliki, Afikpo, Echara, and Ezilo in Ebonyi; Norieubi, Okigwe, Orlu, Otoko, and Owerri in Imo; Kunchi in Kano; Daura in Katsina; Birnin-Kebbi, Kalgo, Kamba, and Saminaka in Kebbi; Agima, Keana, and Rukubi in Nasarawa; and Sarkin Pawa in Niger.

This advisory follows an earlier flood warning issued on September 24, as the country continues to grapple with intense rainfall and rising water levels across major river basins. The NFEWC had previously predicted flooding in 15 states, including Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.

Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, urged all relevant stakeholders to take the alert seriously and implement measures to protect communities and infrastructure. The Ministry also called for active feedback from state governments and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts in flood risk management.