Ebonyi, Kano, Akwa Ibom… 14 Nigerian states at risk of flood this September

The Federal Government has sounded the alarm over possible flooding in 14 states following projections of intense rainfall in the first week of September.

Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department at the Ministry of Environment, issued the alert on Thursday, September 4, urging residents and authorities in vulnerable areas to brace for impact. The Ministry explained that heavy downpours are expected to last five days—from Thursday through Monday, September 8—raising the risk of flooding in several communities.

According to the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Ministry of Environment, the states most at risk include Ebonyi, Cross River, Kano, Zamfara, Taraba, Abia, Yobe, Plateau, Borno, Imo, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Akwa Ibom.

States and Localities on High Alert

The areas highlighted by the Ministry include:

• Ebonyi: Afikpo

• Cross River: Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap

• Kano: Gwarzo, Karaye

  
  
  

• Zamfara: Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukuyum

• Taraba: Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa

• Abia: Eziama, Umuahia

• Yobe: Geidam, Kanamma, Potiskum

• Plateau: Langtang, Shendam, Wase

  
  
  

• Borno: Ngala

• Imo: Okigwe, Otoko

• Niger: Sarki Pawa

• Sokoto: Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira

  
  
  

• Kaduna: Kafanchan

• Akwa Ibom: Oron

The alert comes on the heels of a devastating flood in seven communities in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State earlier on the same day, after hours of torrential rainfall.

NiMet Issues Supporting Warning

This fresh advisory follows a recent forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which had warned of thunderstorms and moderate rains across parts of the North and North-Central regions. NiMet predicted heavy rainfall in states such as Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Taraba, and Jigawa, stressing that localized flooding could occur.

By Saturday afternoon, NiMet’s outlook also projected rainfall in Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, and Borno, while lighter showers were expected in parts of the FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau.

Public Advisory

The Federal Government has urged state governments, disaster response agencies, and residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, prepare evacuation plans, and avoid risky activities around rivers, dams, and low-lying settlements during this period.

NiMet’s long-range forecasts suggest that September could witness multiple rain-triggered flooding events if proactive steps are not taken.