The Rains Are Here, Again!
Like a recurring decimal, it is that time of the year when they present with alarming intensity and deadly frequency – engendering flash floodings, erosions and landslides.
These consequential natural disasters threaten lives and properties in various nooks and crannies of the country.
Which is why the Nigerian government last week alerted that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) face possibilities of severe floodings between April and November 2025.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, issued the warning Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
High flood-risk subnationals listed in the report were Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, and Jigawa States.
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Others include Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.
The minister expressed concerns over probability of rising sea levels – predicting that Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo would experience coastal flooding, which could disrupt fishing, wildlife habitats, and river navigation.
He warned; “The 2025 AFO indicates that 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs fall within high flood-risk zones, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs are in moderate-risk areas.”
Attributing urban flooding to poor drainage management, blocked waterways, and inadequate flood resilience structures, Utsev bemoaned that major cities could experience flash floods due to intense rainfall.
Notwithstanding the grim forecast, the Minister rationalized that flooding could be mitigated with proper planning and infrastructure.
“Unlike other natural disasters, floods can be contained. Our forecasts now target specific communities to enhance preparedness at the grassroots level,” he explained.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the need for early action, stating; “This outlook isn’t just about numbers; it’s about protecting lives and livelihoods.”
In a related development, the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, has declared that this year’s flood forecast adopts a more precise approach, identifying exact communities at risk rather than just LGAs.
“We are leveraging real-time data, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to improve flood management. Our focus now includes assessing impacts on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure,” Mohammed stressed.
Meanwhile, The Daily Times has observed that every year the rainy season is highly anticipated by Nigerians for two major reasons: farming and also the shift to a cooler weather. However, the rains could either be a blessing or a curse.
What measures should be adopted to ensure the proper mitigation of possible occurrences including casualties resulting from flash floods? We recommend a multi-pronged approach including both structural and non-structural measures.
Structurally, this involves creating flood barriers, improving drainage systems and elevating homes and utilities. Non-structurally, this includes developing flood warnings and emergency plans, implementing effective land-use planning and educating the community about flood risks.
In that wise, relevant government agencies like NIMET, Federal Ministry of Information and the NOA would have to step up their games towards effective and efficient sensitization campaigns on the dangers of building or living on flood planes.
Similarly, all drainage channels should be emptied to prevent flooding activities while man-made structures preventing the free flow of water must be removed to prevent surface runoffs.
Wishing us all a rainy season that presents with abundant spiritual blessings, not multiple blasted curses.
