The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a flood alert for July 2025, warning 20 states across the country of potential flash floods.
These states include Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to relocate to safer areas if possible. Clearing drainage systems can help prevent flooding by allowing water to flow freely.
Having emergency kits ready can help residents respond quickly to flood situations. During flooding, it’s essential to turn off electricity and gas to prevent accidents. Flooding has affected approximately 1.2 million people across 31 states in Nigeria since July 2024.
An estimated 180,000 hectares of cultivated farmland have been destroyed, exacerbating food insecurity.
Flooding has caused significant damage to agricultural infrastructure, contributing to food price inflation.
Over N620 billion has been disbursed to states for environmental sustainability and disaster management initiatives.
Critics argue that the allocation and utilization of ecological funds lack transparency and accountability.
Some state governments, like Ondo, have initiated measures to mitigate flood impacts, such as dredging waterways and enforcing environmental sanitation laws.
The President of the Africa Environmental Health Organisation Afolabi Abiodun in his opinion emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in managing ecological funds.
Also, a quality, health, safety, and environmental sustainability expert, Hakeem Mukhtar suggested prioritizing public transparency, independent audits, and community-based flood early warning systems.
