As Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged heatwave with soaring temperatures, fresh alerts from federal authorities have identified the region among the areas most at risk of severe flooding in the coming months.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently issued a heat stress warning for 18 northern states, including Kano, Borno, Sokoto, and the FCT, noting that temperatures could reach up to 40°C.

The agency attributed the weather condition to high humidity and clear skies following a few days of rainfall, urging residents to take preventive health measures.

In the midst of this heat, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has also projected that 30 states and the FCT are at risk of flooding this year.

The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, presented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, identified hundreds of communities across the country—especially in states like Borno, Jigawa, Adamawa, and Zamfara—as highly vulnerable between April and November.

Many of these states experienced severe devastation during the 2024 floods. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Borno State with the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulting in the reported deaths of over 150 persons and extensive damage in Maiduguri and Jere LGAs.

Across other states like Benue, Kebbi, and Kogi, flood swept away homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.

Despite these experiences, many affected communities remain without adequate support or resettlement, raising fresh concerns about preparedness.

Environmental expert, Professor Aliyu Nabegu, emphasized the importance of heeding flood warnings.

He said, “Flood alerts are meant to call the attention of the public to do the needful, but many don’t listen.“

Most environmental devastations are caused by human activity. Some people refuse to provide proper drainage for their properties or even unclog the existing ones, and water will find a way for itself if you block its path, leading to flooding.”

He called on individuals and communities to start making necessary preparations in light of the current predictions, stressing that early action could prevent a repeat of last year’s devastation.

Commenting on the extreme heatwave, Professor Nabegu also called for a more introspective approach to climate change, pointing to deforestation as a major contributor.

“Every day more trees are being felled for wood or other activities. Sadly, this is contributing to the excessive heat,” he said.

He urged the public to adopt environmentally conscious habits while calling on the government to provide affordable and sustainable alternatives to wood fuel.

Nabegu encouraged all stakeholders to remain committed to the fight against climate change, stressing that long-term solutions must take priority over short-term fixes.

Meanwhile, federal authorities have announced several initiatives, including a National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP) and an Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project (I-CRIP), to mitigate climate impacts and improve emergency response.

The Niger Flood Project, another major effort, is expected to enhance flood control and river management across several states.

While these interventions are underway, local governments and communities are being urged to invest in improved drainage systems, enforce environmental regulations, and engage in early warning communication.

For many northern communities, the months ahead will test not only the accuracy of forecasts, but the readiness of institutions and the public to act on them.

An uneasy calm hangs over Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, particularly on the Island, as residents brace for what experts predict could be one of the worst flood seasons in recent years.

The fear was heightened following a fresh warning by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, which listed Lagos among states at high risk of severe flooding in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook unveiled last week in Abuja.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who presided over the event, urged residents in flood-prone communities, particularly those on Lagos Island, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Ajah, to prepare for severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, rising sea levels and overstretched urban drainage infrastructure.

For many Lagosians, this is not an unfamiliar dread. The city, perched precariously on the Atlantic coast, has witnessed repeated flood disasters over the years, incidents that have damaged properties, paralysed businesses and displaced many families.

The pattern dates as far back as 2012 when Lagos experienced severe flooding following torrential rains in July. Major streets such as Ahmadu Bello Way, Ozumba Mbadiwe and Marina on the Island were completely submerged.

Businesses were forced to close, while vehicles and pedestrians alike were stranded for hours in waist-deep water.

The year marked one of the worst flood disasters in the state’s history. That year, floodwaters submerged homes across Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island and parts of Ajah.

Residents waded through waist-high water as several roads became impassable. Many were displaced, with properties worth millions of naira lost to the deluge.

In the wake of NIHSA’s warning, Lagos residents have expressed deep concerns over the looming flood threat.

Funmi Adebayo, a civil servant and resident of Lekki Phase 1, said “Each time the rains come, we live in fear.

“Last year, water flooded my sitting room and destroyed my furniture. I had to replace household items worth over N2 million. These annual warnings only remind us of our helplessness.

”Kennedy Terfa, a media executive based in Victoria Island, lamented that “Flooding here has become a tradition. In 2022, my office server and several gadgets were destroyed when water poured in during a downpour.

The government makes promises every year, but we hardly see sustainable action.”

Titi Balogun, a teacher living in Oniru Estate, expressed her frustration thus: “During the rainy season, I barely sleep at night.

“We’re constantly checking if water levels are rising. Last year, a neighbour’s fence collapsed because of flood pressure. It’s terrifying, especially with children in the house.”

Ayo Shonibare, a commercial driver who plies the Ajah–Lekki–Victoria Island route, noted: “Once it rains, everywhere locks down. Our roads are terrible and the drains are always clogged.

“It’s either you risk your vehicle getting stuck or stay home and lose income. Nobody should have to live like this in a city like Lagos.”

Meanwhile, responding to the growing tension, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its preparedness to manage the anticipated downpours and flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas on the Island.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection of the ongoing Lagos Island Urban Regeneration Project, assured residents that proactive steps were underway.

Wahab confirmed that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) had been fully mobilized to operate year-round, focusing on desilting blocked drainages, clearing canals, and addressing flood-prone areas.

“We are not treating this as business as usual. Our drainage clearing and urban regeneration projects on Lagos Island and other flood-prone areas are in top gear.

“EFAG teams have been deployed across the state and will remain active throughout the year to prevent disaster,” Wahab stated.

He further appealed to residents to cooperate with government agencies by avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal, which contributes to drainage blockage.

The National Assembly (NASS) has proposed a new bill, titled ‘Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make it mandatory for all Nigerians of majority age to vote in all National and State Elections and for Related Matters.’

The Bill being proposed by the House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, if passed, the bill would make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the current Electoral Act of 2022 by enforcing compulsory participation in national and state elections.

It proposes that any eligible voter who fails to vote without a valid reason would face a penalty, including a fine of N100,000, a six-month jail term, or both.

The bill, which has sparked heated debates across the country, aims to address voter apathy, a persistent issue in Nigerian elections, and increase civic participation in the democratic process.