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By Tracy Moses
The Federal Government has raised an alarm over possible flooding in 14 states, cautioning that 43 locations may experience intense rainfall with flood risks between September 4 and 8, 2025.
The advisory was issued on Thursday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment and signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department.
Flood disasters continue to pose a major environmental threat in Nigeria, often leading to mass displacement, farmland destruction, and outbreaks of waterborne illnesses. In recent years, prolonged and heavy rains have worsened the situation, leaving many communities devastated.
The latest warning highlights Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, coupled with poor drainage systems that expose towns and villages to seasonal flooding.
The states and communities listed in the alert include Ebonyi (Afikpo); Cross River (Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap); Kano (Gwarzo, Karaye); Zamfara (Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum); Taraba (Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa); Abia (Eziama, Umuahia); Yobe (Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum); and Plateau (Langtang, Shendam, Wase).
Others are Borno (Ngala); Imo (Okigwe, Otoko); Niger (Sarki Pawa); Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira); Kaduna (Kafanchan); and Akwa Ibom (Oron).
Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s flood mitigation efforts have received a boost following a $1 million grant from China to support victims in northern states.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, signed the exchange notes for the grant alongside the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
Bagudu described the donation as “timely,” noting that it would strengthen government’s interventions to deliver relief assistance and restore livelihoods in worst-hit communities.
He further assured that the support would be managed with transparency and accountability, guided by a structured framework. “We will ensure the aid gets to those who need it most through an agreed monitoring and evaluation mechanism with the Chinese Embassy,” the minister said.
Ambassador Dunhai, on his part, reaffirmed China’s solidarity with Nigeria, recalling that both countries had recently endured destructive floods.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and express our strong support. In difficult moments, China and Nigeria stand together,” he said.