By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government has issued a flood alert for 38 locations across 11 Nigerian states, warning of heavy rainfall from Wednesday, July 16, to Sunday, July 20, 2025, that could trigger significant flooding.
The alert, released by the Federal Ministry of Environment through its National Flood Early Warning Centre, listed high-risk areas in states such as Adamawa (Mubi), Akwa Ibom, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Yobe, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Cross River, and Zamfara.
The notice, signed by Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, urges residents and local authorities to take necessary precautions to mitigate damage.
In a related effort to combat Nigeria’s rising flood risks, the government recently unveiled plans to develop a National Flood Insurance Policy. Speaking in Abuja during a technical committee meeting in June, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmud Kambari, described floods as a “national emergency” linked to climate change, poor infrastructure, and rapid urbanisation.
Kambari said the insurance programme aims to provide a financial safety net for citizens and businesses while reducing the government’s burden on disaster relief. The scheme will also promote shared responsibility across government levels and the private sector.