The Federal Government has issued a warning predicting heavy rainfall and flooding across 16 states over the next five days, urging residents in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures. The alert was contained in a statement released by the National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) unit of the Ministry of Environment, which stated that intense rainfall could lead to significant flooding between October 6 and October 10, 2025.
According to the forecast, the states expected to be affected include Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, and Taraba. The FEWS noted that both urban and riverine flooding were likely, especially in communities along major riverbanks and low-lying areas. It further cautioned that the combination of rising water levels and ongoing rainfall could cause severe damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure if preventive actions are not taken swiftly.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Clement Nze, emphasized that the warning should not be taken lightly, as the current weather patterns indicate a high probability of flash floods in several local government areas. He urged state governments and local authorities to activate their emergency response systems and ensure that residents are adequately sensitized on evacuation plans. “We have observed an increase in water discharge from dams, coupled with continuous rainfall in some northern and central states, which may aggravate flooding downstream,” he said.
Nze also appealed to residents to avoid dumping waste in drainage systems and to clear blocked waterways to allow free flow of rainwater. He noted that poor environmental practices have been a major factor exacerbating flooding in many urban areas. “People must understand that flooding is not only caused by nature but also by human negligence. We all have a role to play in reducing the impact,” he added.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) also corroborated the forecast, warning that the expected rainfall could be accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. NiMet advised farmers, motorists, and travelers to be cautious during the period, noting that wet and slippery roads could increase the risk of accidents. The agency further recommended that state disaster management agencies remain on high alert and provide temporary shelters for those who might be displaced.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said it is collaborating with state emergency services to ensure a prompt response if the floods occur. The agency disclosed that relief materials have been pre-positioned in strategic locations for quick deployment. NEMA also advised residents living near rivers and streams to relocate temporarily to higher grounds until the floodwaters recede.
With the memory of recent floods that displaced thousands of Nigerians still fresh, the government’s warning has sparked concern among citizens. Environmental experts have called for long-term measures such as improved drainage infrastructure, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, and early warning dissemination to mitigate future disasters. The coming days, they say, will test the country’s readiness to manage one of its most recurring natural challenges.
