Nigeria’s flood crisis: Tragedy, response, and the way forward

On May 29, 2025, the town of Mokwa in Niger State experienced devastating floods due to the intense rainfall lasting approximately five hours.

The disaster resulted in over 200 confirmed deaths, with more than 500 individuals missing and presumed dead. The floods affected over 500 households, displacing more than 3,000 people, and destroyed critical infrastructure, including two roads and two bridges.

Local residents recounted harrowing experiences, such as 36-year-old Adamu who lost nine family members, including his wife and newborn baby, as their home was engulfed by floodwaters.

The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have identified 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as high-risk zones for flooding in 2025. Coastal and riverine areas, including Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo, are particularly vulnerable

In response, states like Edo have launched significant erosion and watershed adaptation plans, while Delta has established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to mitigate the impact of anticipated floods .

Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s vice president, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the flood-affected areas in Mokwa on June 4, 2025. Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, the federal government approved the release of ₦2 billion and 20 trucks of rice to support victims of the disaster.

Despite the efforts, experts have highlighted systemic challenges in Nigeria’s flood management strategies. A study published in ScienceDirect emphasized that while climate change contributes to increased rainfall intensity, human factors such as inadequate infrastructure, poor urban planning, and insufficient disaster preparedness exacerbate the impact of floods.
Experts advocate for a multifaceted approach to flood risk management in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for:

Integrated Flood Risk Management Systems: Developing cohesive strategies that encompass early warning systems, infrastructure development, and community engagement.

Policy Coherence and Institutional Strengthening: Ensuring that policies across various sectors align to effectively address flood risks.

Community-Based Approaches: Leveraging indigenous knowledge and involving local communities in planning and response efforts.
These strategies aim to enhance Nigeria’s resilience to flooding and mitigate future disasters.