Abuja | July 21, 2025
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a comprehensive National Flood Forecast Alert identifying 739 communities in 162 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 29 states of the country as high-risk zones for flooding during the period of 22nd July to 5th August, 2025.
The alert, referenced NIHSA/FF/30-25-002-21, cites rising river levels, heavy rainfall, dam releases, and ocean tidal surges as the primary causes of the looming flood threats. The agency has placed the alert level at WARNING, urging government institutions, emergency agencies, and local communities to take immediate preparedness measures to avert a national disaster.
Breakdown of Flood-Prone Areas by State and Community:
NIHSA’s latest bulletin offers a state-by-state breakdown of flood-prone LGAs and vulnerable locations:
- Adamawa: Guyuk, Lamurde, Numan, Shelleng (Rivers Benue & Gongola) – Demsa, Numan Junction, Borrong
- Akwa Ibom: Ibiono Ibom, Ini, Itu, Uyo, Oron, Ikot Ekpene (River Cross) – Itu–Calabar highway, Oron Beach
- Anambra: Ogbaru, Onitsha North/South, Anambra East/West (Rivers Niger & Anambra) – Onitsha Head Bridge, Odekpe, Ossomala
- Bauchi: Alkaleri, Kirfi (Rivers Katagum & Masuri) – Gombe-Abba–Kunde Road
- Bayelsa: Brass, Nembe, Sagbama, Yenagoa, Ekeremor (River Nun & Atlantic) – Warri–Patani Road, Igbogene
- Benue: Makurdi, Agatu, Gwer West, Buruku, Katsina-Ala (Rivers Benue & Ngo) – Gbajimba–Agagbe, Makurdi Bridge
- Borno: Bayo, Shani, Hawul, Damboa (Rivers Nagaddo & Yedseram) – Bayo–Damboa–Shani Road
- Cross River: Calabar, Abi, Ikom, Ogoja, Obubra (Rivers Cross, Aya, Enyong) – Calabar–Itu Road
- Delta: Patani, Warri North, Oshimili North/South, Ndokwa East (Rivers Niger & Osse) – Patani Bridge, Warri coast
- Ebonyi: Abakaliki, Afikpo, Ikwo, Ezza South, Izzi (River Cross) – Ebonyi–Afikpo highway
- Edo: Esan South-East, Etsako, Ovia South-West (River Osse) – Agenebode, Uzebba, Ughoton
- FCT (Abuja): Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kwali (River Gurara) – Giri, Gumbo, Kwali Bridge
- Gombe: Dukku, Nafada, Yamaltu-Deba (River Gongola) – Bajoga, Deba–Biri Road
- Imo: Oguta, Ohaji-Egbema (Oguta Lake) – Ihioma, Orashi basin
- Jigawa: Guri (Rivers Hadejia & Yobe) – Guri–Gashua
- Taraba: Ibi, Wukari, Lau (Rivers Benue, Pai, Donga) – Wukari–Ibi Road, Jalingo plain
- Yobe: Geidam, Gulani, Fika (Rivers Katagun, Dingaiya) – Potiskum–Fika Road
- Lagos: Apapa, Eti-Osa, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland (River Ogun, ocean surge) – Ajah, Lekki, VI, 3rd Mainland Bridge
- Niger: Mokwa, Shiroro, Lapai (Rivers Niger, Gurara, Kaduna) – Mokwa–Jebba Road, Gurara Dam
- Ogun: Abeokuta, Shagamu, Mowe (River Ogun) – Kara Bridge, Panseke–Itoku
- Ondo: Ilaje, Ese Odo (River Talita) – Mahin & Arogbo coast
- Plateau: Kanam (flash floods) – Garga–Dengi axis
- Rivers: Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada West/East (River Niger) – Ahoada–Omoku Road, Erema
- Sokoto: Binji, Kware, Silame, Wamakko (Rivers Sokoto & Rima) – Kalambaina, Gandu, Maiduguri Road
- Kebbi: 14 LGAs including Birnin Kebbi, Bagudu, Dandi (Rivers Niger & Sokoto) – Bunza Road, Tunga Gendini
- Kogi: Ajaokuta, Ibaji, Lokoja, Idah, Ofu (Rivers Niger, Benue, Gurara) – Okene–Lokoja–Abuja Road, Yelwa
Road Networks and Infrastructure at Risk:
Many major transportation routes including Makurdi Bridge, Patani Bridge, 3rd Mainland Bridge, Lokoja-Abuja highway, and Jalingo floodplain roads are at risk of submersion or damage.
NIHSA’s Emergency Recommendations:
In response to these projections, NIHSA, under the leadership of Director General Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, has outlined immediate steps:
- All emergency response agencies must activate their preparedness protocols without delay.
- State and local governments are urged to begin sensitization and implement evacuation plans in flood-prone zones.
- Residents in at-risk areas should stay alert, obey local advisories, and move to higher ground when advised.
- The general public is encouraged to stay informed through NIHSA’s official updates.
Stay Connected:
To follow real-time flood updates and weekly forecasts:
- 🔗 Flood Dashboard: www.nihsa.gov.ng
- 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/NIHSA.NG
- 🐦 Twitter/X: @nihsa_ng
Conclusion:
As the peak of the rainy season approaches, NIHSA’s alert is a clear warning that inaction could lead to avoidable devastation. Early warnings must be met with swift action, preparedness, and collective responsibility.
For further technical support or inquiries, the public may contact NIHSA directly at:
Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA)
Plot 222, Shettima Ali Monguno Crescent, Utako District, Abuja.
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