Northern Nigeria Braces For Flood Risk As Government Issues Urgent Alert.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a critical flood warning for nine northern states, highlighting the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding between 25 and 29 August 2025. The alert, announced by the National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEW Centre) under the Federal Ministry of Environment, urges residents and authorities in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara to take immediate precautions to mitigate the risks.
According to a circular signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, specific towns across these states are at heightened risk. Adamawa and Katsina face the greatest threat, with multiple settlements flagged for potential flooding. In Adamawa, the towns of Mubi, Shelleng, and Abba-Kumbo are on high alert, while in Katsina, the areas of Katsina town, Kaita, and Bindawa have been identified as particularly vulnerable. Other notable locations include Gwaram in Jigawa, Nafada in Gombe, Ngala in Borno, Sumaila in Kano, Anka in Zamfara, and Makira in Sokoto. Bauchi State also has two key towns, Azare and Jama’are, under close watch.
The FEW Centre has placed Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina on red alert, signalling the severity of the anticipated weather conditions. The warning comes amid rising water levels in the River Niger, with communities along the floodplains from Jebba to Lokoja advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Bokani has called on stakeholders to remain vigilant and provide timely updates on any emerging flood-related incidents to aid coordinated response efforts.
This latest alert follows a series of warnings issued by the FEW Centre, including one last week targeting seven northern states. The recurring nature of these advisories underscores the growing threat of flooding in the region, exacerbated by climate change and infrastructural challenges. Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay informed, secure their properties, and cooperate with emergency response teams to ensure safety.
The government’s proactive stance aims to minimise the impact of potential flooding, which has caused significant damage in northern Nigeria in recent years. As the rainy season intensifies, local and state authorities are expected to ramp up preparedness measures, including clearing drainage systems and reinforcing flood barriers, to protect vulnerable communities.
Residents in the affected states are advised to monitor weather updates closely and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local emergency management agencies. With the collective efforts of communities and government bodies, the hope is to avert the devastating consequences of flooding and safeguard lives and livelihoods across the region.