The Federal Government has sounded a grave warning that 30 states across Nigeria, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), face imminent flood threats, similar to the devastating incident that occurred in Mokwa, Niger State, last Thursday, which claimed the lives of over 200 people.
The tragic flood in Mokwa resulted in the destruction of several homes, displacing thousands of residents, while over 500 individuals remain unaccounted for. States identified as being at high flood risk include:
Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, clarified that the Mokwa disaster was not caused by any water discharge from the Kainji and Jebba dams, which remain intact and safe. Rather, he attributed the tragedy to intense rainfall, exacerbated by the growing effects of climate change, and further aggravated by the population’s failure to heed flood warnings.
“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation extends its heartfelt sympathy to the people and government of Niger State, especially those in Mokwa, who have suffered greatly from this natural disaster,” the minister said. He emphasized that the flooding was due to extreme weather conditions and unregulated human activity, including building construction that obstructed a seasonal stream — a tributary of River Dingi — which channels into the River Niger.
He further explained that this waterway, usually dry for most of the year, could not handle the excessive runoff caused by the heavy downpour. The lack of efficient drainage alternatives worsened the impact on the affected communities.
Referencing the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), released on April 10, 2025, Engr. Utsev reminded the public that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had earlier predicted flood risks in 19 local government areas of Niger State, including Mokwa. According to the report, 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs across 33 states and the FCT are identified as high flood risk zones, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs in 31 states, including the FCT, fall into moderate risk categories.
Reiterating the warnings and preventive measures outlined in the 2025 AFO, the minister called on state and local governments to:
Reinforce drainage systems and infrastructure
Relocate residents living in flood-prone areas
Conduct widespread public awareness campaigns
Strictly enforce land-use regulations to prevent construction on natural water pathways
He encouraged all stakeholders to consult the NIHSA Flood Forecast Dashboard (https://nihsa.gov.ng/flood-forecast-dashboard) for community-specific data, expected flood levels, and recommended preventive actions.
“This tragic event is yet another clear indication of the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. The government remains committed to a climate-resilient approach in managing water resources,” the minister concluded.
He urged collaboration among federal agencies, state authorities, private sector players, civil society, and community leaders to strengthen national resilience against climate-induced flooding.
Currently, technical teams from the Ministry, NIHSA, Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) are stationed in Mokwa, conducting on-site assessments to produce a comprehensive report on the flood’s root causes.
