Flood: FG urges communities to be on alert

The Federal Government is set to unveil the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) on Thursday, outlining potential high-risk areas across the country as the rainy season begins.

This was announced in a statement by the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, in Abuja. He stated that the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, will present the forecast, which includes expected flood patterns and locations that may face severe risk.

The forecast aims to help stakeholders and local communities prepare for and reduce the impact of flooding, which has become a recurring challenge in many parts of Nigeria.

Mohammed emphasized that the AFO is a vital tool for informed decision-making and proactive response. This year’s theme is “Flood Resilience: Focusing on Communities’ Preparedness and Adaptive Strategies for Flood Management.”

“The 2025 AFO will highlight anticipated flood scenarios with a focus on flood preparedness, early warning systems, and community-level adaptation strategies,” he said. “It provides data-driven, scientifically backed, and evidence-based information that supports proactive planning and response across sectors.”