*predicts 5-day heavy rainfall
By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
Following the disruptions caused by climate change, the Federal Ministry of Environment has warned that 14 states and 43 locations across the country may experience heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding, between September 4 and September 8, 2025.
The alert was issued on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Flood Early Warning Centre, and signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani.
From April to July this year, the country experienced catastrophic flooding across 19 states—including Imo, Rivers, Abia, Borno, Kaduna, and the FCT—resulting in at least 165 fatalities, over 119,000 people affected, nearly 44,000 displaced, and more than 8,500 homes and farms damaged
The Mokwa flood in Niger State, triggered by torrential rain and dam failure in late May, killed around 200–500 people, left hundreds missing, displaced 3,000+, destroyed roads and bridges, and submerged thousands of homes
Flooding has remained one of Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges, often resulting in displacement, destruction of farmlands, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. In recent years, heavy rains have worsened flooding across multiple states, with thousands losing homes and livelihoods.
The warning comes as the country grapples with the dual challenge of climate change and inadequate drainage infrastructure, making many communities vulnerable during the rainy season.
The report stated that the affected affected states and locations include: Ebonyi State (Afikpo); Cross River State (Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap); Kano State (Gwarzo, Karaye); Zamfara State (Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum); Taraba State (Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa); Abia State (Eziama, Umuahia); Yobe State (Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum); Plateau State (Langtang, Shendam, Wase).
Other states are Borno State (Ngala); Imo State (Okigwe, Otoko); Niger State (Sarki Pawa); Sokoto State (Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira); Kaduna State (Kafanchan); and Akwa Ibom State (Oron).
Recently, the Federal Government’s flood relief efforts were boosted as the Chinese government donated $1m to support victims in the northern states.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, signed the exchange notes on the financial support with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
Bagudu described the intervention as timely, stressing that it would complement the government’s drive to deliver relief materials and rebuild livelihoods in severely impacted communities.
“We firmly believe that today’s signing ceremony will open new avenues for collaboration, strengthening our strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” the minister said.
He assured that the grant would be managed transparently to ensure accountability.
“A transparent framework, leveraging past experiences and unified templates, will guide the process to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries in the most efficient and impactful manner,” Bagudu stated.
He added that the government had agreed on a joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism with the Chinese Embassy.
Speaking earlier, Ambassador Dunhai expressed China’s solidarity with Nigeria, recalling that both countries recently suffered devastating flooding.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and also convey our support.
“In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” he said.
