Nigeria Alerts 28 States Over Flood Risk Ahead of Rainy Season

The Federal Ministry of Environment has alerted 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) regarding the risk of flooding as Nigeria approaches its peak rainy season. Usman Bokani, the Director of the Erosion and Flood Coastal Zone Management Department, indicated that 987 locations across 21 states have been classified as critical risk areas, with 415 communities in seven states and the FCT falling into a high-risk category.

Major urban centers identified include Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Enugu, Aba, Calabar, Warri, Makurdi, Lokoja, Owerri, Umuahia, Asaba, Akure, Ibadan, and Abeokuta. Bokani urged residents in these high-risk areas to remain on high alert, identify safe evacuation routes, and avoid activities within floodplains and low drainage corridors.

He called on state governments to implement proactive measures to safeguard lives and properties and emphasized the importance of continuous updates from the national flood early warning system.