By John Umeh
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that flooding incidents across Nigeria in 2025 have resulted in the tragic loss of 165 lives and affected no fewer than 119,791 individuals. The alarming statistics, released during a recent press briefing, underscore the growing severity of flood disasters linked to climate change, poor urban planning, and blocked drainage systems.
According to NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, the agency recorded the destruction of 14,483 houses, 5,318 farmlands, and significant infrastructure damage across multiple states. The most impacted regions include parts of the North-Central, South-East, and South-South zones, where overflowing rivers, torrential rains, and inadequate water management systems compounded the crisis.
“In many affected communities, people have lost not just their homes but also their means of livelihood. The devastation to farmlands threatens food security and economic stability in already vulnerable areas,” Umar stated.
The agency reported that 257 local government areas in 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), experienced varying degrees of flooding, with Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra, Benue, and Adamawa among the hardest hit. In response, NEMA has deployed relief materials, including food, non-food items, medical supplies, and temporary shelters to displaced families.
Environmental experts and humanitarian agencies are calling for urgent government investment in sustainable flood control infrastructure and long-term disaster preparedness. Many have also urged communities to stop the indiscriminate dumping of waste into drainage systems and waterways.
The 2025 floods are being compared to the catastrophic 2022 and 2012 flood disasters, which displaced over two million people combined. NEMA has warned that, without proactive measures, the country could witness even worse episodes in the future due to the intensifying effects of climate change and poor enforcement of building regulations.
The agency continues to collaborate with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to monitor rainfall patterns and alert communities in flood-prone areas. Meanwhile, NEMA has appealed to Nigerians to heed early warnings, evacuate when necessary, and support efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
As rescue operations continue and affected persons seek to rebuild their lives, the 2025 flood tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to prevent future catastrophes and safeguard vulnerable populations.
