In a decisive move to bolster national preparedness against the perennial threat of flooding, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has announced that it will unveil the much-anticipated 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The public presentation will take place at the prestigious Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, with the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev FNSE, performing the official unveiling.
This year’s theme, “Flood Resilience: Focusing on Communities Preparedness and Adaptive Strategies for Flood Management,” underscores NIHSA’s continued emphasis on localized, community-driven solutions in the face of increasingly frequent and intense flood events.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Director General of NIHSA, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, emphasized the critical importance of the AFO in national planning. “The Annual Flood Outlook provides data-driven, scientifically backed, and evidence-based information that supports proactive planning and response across sectors,” he stated.
In keeping with its mandate to advise government and the public on water-related matters, NIHSA's annual flood forecasts offer early warnings and help identify high-risk areas across the country. These forecasts are crucial in aiding federal and state institutions, humanitarian organizations, and local communities to prepare adequately, thereby mitigating potential losses.
The 2025 AFO will provide detailed projections regarding:
- Vulnerable communities and expected timelines for flooding
- Flood-prone areas, with anticipated severity and duration
- Critical infrastructure likely to be impacted
- Risk communication and adaptation strategies for stakeholders at all levels
NIHSA’s outlook is widely recognized as an essential planning tool, particularly as Nigeria continues to battle the challenges of climate change, rapid urbanization, and inadequate drainage systems. By spotlighting preparedness, early warning systems, and community-level adaptation, this year's report is expected to drive more responsive and inclusive flood management policies.
The launch will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from federal and state agencies, international development partners, NGOs, academia, civil society organizations, the media, and concerned members of the public. Their participation will not only highlight the importance of the AFO but also serve as a rallying call for collective action in the face of looming climate-related disasters.
As the countdown to April 10 begins, all eyes are on NIHSA as it leads the charge toward a flood-resilient Nigeria.