From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Environment and its National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, has issued a nationwide alert over potential flooding in 76 locations across 19 states.
The alert, which forecasts heavy rainfall between August 5 and 9, 2025, calls on stakeholders and residents in the identified areas to take immediate precautionary measures to avert disaster.
The states and locations listed in the alert include Akwa Ibom (Edor, Eket, Ikom, Oron, Upenekang); Bauchi (Tafawa-Balewa, Azare, Jama’are, Kari, Misau, Jama’a); Ebonyi (Abakaliki, Echara, Ezilo); Cross River (Ogoja, Edor, Obubra); Nasarawa (Keana, Keffi, Wamba); Benue (Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Igumale, Ito, Katsina-Ala, Ugba, Vande-Ikya); Kaduna (Jaji, Kafanchan, Birnin-Gwari, Zaria); and Katsina (Bindawa, Bakori, Daura, Funtua).
Others include Kebbi (Bagudo, Birnin-Kebbi, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, Kamba, Kangiwa, Shanga, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Yelwa, Gauri-Banza); Kano (Bebeji, Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Tudun Wada, Wudil, Kunchi); Niger (Kontagora, Rijau, Ringim); Plateau (Mangu); Taraba (Donga, Takum); Jigawa (Diginsa, Gumel, Dutse, Gwaram, Hadejia, Miga); Yobe (Machina, Potiskum); Zamfara (Anka); Sokoto (Sokoto, Wamakko); Borno (Biu); and Gombe (Bajoga).
In Lagos, the state government has urged residents of low-lying areas in Lekki, Ikorodu, and Ajegunle to relocate to higher ground as a preventive measure.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, advised residents in vulnerable communities to act swiftly as rainfall intensifies across the state.
“Those around the Ajilete axis of Lagos, that’s Ajegunle, they have to move. Those around the coastline of Ikorodu—Majidu area—have to move. Some areas around the Lekki corridor, too, not all. Epe has always been safe. Mushin will be safe. Ikeja will be safe,” Wahab said.
He also urged residents of Isheri in the OPIC area to remain alert.
Wahab noted that as a coastal city, Lagos is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including flash floods. However, he assured residents that the state government is actively implementing flood mitigation strategies.
“For those who stay in the lowlands of Lagos, they have to move to the upland pending when the rain recedes. Lagos will be exposed to the vagaries of climate change, and that means flash flooding. But as a state, we must build resilient infrastructure and encourage our people to act responsibly,” he said.
He added that the government is clearing drainage channels and expanding flood paths to ensure better water flow during heavy rains.
