The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a flood warning for 14 states, cautioning that 43 areas nationwide may experience heavy rainfall likely to cause flooding between September 4 and 8, 2025.
The alert, released on Thursday by the National Flood Early Warning Centre and signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, highlights the risk of severe weather.
Flooding continues to be a major environmental issue in Nigeria, often leading to displacement, destruction of farmland, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. In recent years, increased rainfall has intensified flooding in several states, leaving many without homes or means of livelihood.
The advisory comes amid growing concerns over climate change and poor drainage systems, which leave many communities especially vulnerable during the rainy season.
The 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.