Despite Receiving N620b, 20 States at Risk of Flash Floods As NiMet Issues Warning

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a flood alert for July, warning that 20 states, including Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, and Benue, are at risk of experiencing flash floods. This alert comes as critics lambaste state governments over the management of ecological funds allocated to affected regions.

Despite receiving over N620 billion in ecological funds, many states seem ill-prepared to mitigate the impact of floods, raising questions about the effectiveness of these funds in enhancing environmental resilience and disaster preparedness.

NiMet’s alert shows the states with varying probable risks of experiencing flash flooding events due to the onset of rainfall across the country. The agency advised residents of the states to relocate if necessary, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, turn off electricity and gas during flooding, strengthen mudslide prevention, and promote community awareness.

Some residents of Ondo communities affected by the flood that occurred last week have called on the state government to come to their aid following the destruction of their property. The flood occurred as a result of a downpour on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, which has reportedly destroyed property worth millions of naira in communities in Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo Local Government Areas of the state.

Experts have attributed the recurring floods in Nigeria to various factors, including the failure of the government to fulfill a crucial dam agreement with the Republic of Cameroon and poor management of ecological funds.

The Africa Environmental Health Organisation’s president, Afolabi Abiodun, said the government claims to be trying, but the impact is not felt. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the management of ecological funds.

A climate change adaptation researcher, Abeeb Ajagbe, noted that while some states have made efforts to mitigate the impacts of flooding, much still needs to be done. He called for better accountability, coordination, and long-term strategies to address flooding.

A report by StatiSense found that flooding in Nigeria in May 2025 affected 116,711 people in 12 states, with Zamfara State being the most affected.

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the government had commenced initiatives to reduce floods and other natural disasters by dredging waterways across the state.

*States at risk of flash flooding:*

– Sokoto

– Kaduna

– Zamfara

– Yobe

– Bauchi

– Bayelsa

– Jigawa

– Adamawa

– Taraba

– Niger

– Nasarawa

– Benue

– Ogun

– Ondo

– Lagos

– Delta

– Edo

– Cross River

– Rivers

– Akwa Ibom

*Precautions advised by NiMet:*

– Relocate if necessary

– Clear drainage systems

– Prepare emergency kits

– Turn off electricity and gas during flooding

– Strengthen mudslide prevention

– Promote community awareness

The situation highlights the need for effective management of ecological funds and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of floods in Nigeria.

Here are some possible headlines based on the article:

1. *”Flood Alert: NiMet Warns 20 States of Flash Floods, Criticizes Ecological Fund Management”*

2. *”Nigeria Braces for Floods: NiMet Issues Alert for 20 States, Questions Effectiveness of Ecological Funds”*

3. *”Flash Floods Imminent: NiMet Warns 20 States, Calls for Better Ecological Fund Management”*

4. *”Floods in Nigeria: NiMet Issues Alert, Experts Criticize Government’s Handling of Ecological Funds”*

5. *”20 States at Risk of Flash Floods: NiMet Issues Warning, Urges Precautions and Better Fund Management”*

These headlines capture the essence of the article, highlighting the flood alert issued by NiMet, the states at risk, and the criticism of the management of ecological funds.