By Yunusa Umar
The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a fresh warning that heavy rainfall is expected to trigger flooding in 16 states between October 4 and 8, 2025. The alert was released by the National Flood Early Warning Centre on Saturday and signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department.
According to the statement, the prediction covers 39 locations across 16 states, with residents in flood-prone communities urged to prepare for possible overflow of rivers, blocked drainage systems, and rising water levels.
Mr. Bokani noted that the ministry’s monitoring systems had detected high precipitation levels and soil saturation in many areas, which could lead to flash floods, displacement, and damage to infrastructure.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment urges all relevant stakeholders and state governments to take immediate precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the predicted flooding,” the statement read in part.
States likely affect
The states listed include Delta (Asaba); Yobe (Damaturu); Sokoto (Isa); Zamfara (Anka, Bungudu, Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi); Katsina (Jibia); Oyo (Kisi, Oyo); Kebbi (Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa); Kano (Gwarzo, Sumaila, Karaye); Niger (Kontagora, Mashegu, Mokwa, New-Bussa, Rijau, Wushishi); Kwara (Kosubosu); Benue (Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Katsina-Ala, Ugba); Borno (Briyel); Bayelsa (Brass, Ikpidiama, Odoni); Cross River (Edor, Ikom); Rivers (Itu, Ahoada); and Enugu (Nsukka).
The ministry emphasized that citizens residing along riverbanks, floodplains, and low-lying areas should relocate to safer grounds, while local governments should ensure proper clearing of waterways and drainage channels.
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This latest warning follows the devastating flash floods that struck several parts of the country earlier this year. On May 29, torrential rain led to massive flooding in Agwa Hausawa and Tiffin Madza, densely populated neighborhoods of Mokwa, Niger State, leaving at least 207 people dead, 400 houses destroyed, and 50 shops swept away, with over 700 persons reported missing.
Environmental experts have described the incident as one of the worst flood disasters in recent years, highlighting the country’s continued struggle with poor drainage systems, urban planning failures, and lack of emergency preparedness.
The Federal Ministry of Environment reiterated that proactive measures by states, communities, and individuals are critical to minimizing loss of life and property.
“Early warnings save lives,” Mr. Bokani stressed. “We call on all disaster management agencies, local authorities, and citizens to remain vigilant, clear drainages, and follow evacuation directives when issued.”
Meanwhile,New Daily Prime investigations earlier revealed that many states remain poorly prepared for such natural disasters despite repeated government alerts and past experiences.
As rainfall intensifies across the country, experts warn that unless coordinated flood control and drainage efforts are implemented
