FULL LIST: Anambra, Lagos, Bauchi, 28 other States at Risk of Heavy Flooding from April: FG Warns

In a stern cautionary announcement, Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has alerted the nation to the looming threat of flooding across 31 states, encompassing 148 local government areas (LGAs). The warning comes as part of the unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) during a ceremony held in Abuja on Monday.

Led by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the AFO predictions have identified high flood-risk areas spanning from April through November 2024. The states at risk include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

Emphasizing the need for preparedness and proactive measures, Minister Utsev highlighted the potential impact of flooding on various sectors including population, agriculture, livelihoods, livestock, infrastructure, and the environment.

Recalling the severe flood disasters that Nigeria has faced, with the devastating events of 2012 standing out, Minister Utsev underlined the economic toll of such disasters, citing the World Bank’s estimation of approximately $6.68 billion in damage from the 2022 floods.

In response to these recurring challenges, President Bola Tinubu initiated the National Economic Council Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response. The committee’s mandate is to proactively develop a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s flood mitigation, preparedness, adaptation, and communication infrastructure.

Echoing the urgency of the situation, Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), stressed the importance of integrating forecast information into national policies and interventions. He pledged NIMET’s commitment to collaborating with NIHSA and other stakeholders to deliver timely and accurate weather forecasts tailored to meet the diverse needs of communities nationwide.

Zubaida Umar, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), reiterated the significance of the AFO released by NIHSA, citing the increasing prevalence of flooding in Nigeria and its dire consequences including loss of lives, property damage, displacement, and disruption of livelihoods. Ms. Umar emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country.