Lagos Warns of Looming Lagoon Collapse
The Federal Government has issued a flood warning for 14 states, identifying 43 high-risk locations that may experience heavy rainfall and flooding between September 4 and 8, 2025.
The alert came yesterday from the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Flood Early Warning Centre, and was signed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department.
Officials noted that Nigeria’s struggle with climate change and inadequate drainage systems leaves many communities vulnerable each rainy season.
States and Locations at Risk
Ebonyi: Afikpo
Cross River: Edor, Ikom, Itigidi, Akpap
Kano: Gwarzo, Karaye
Zamfara: Anka, Gummi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum
Taraba: Dampar, Duchi, Garkowa, Gassol, Gembu, Gun Gun Bodel, Kambari, Mayo Ranewo, Mutum Biyu, Bandawa, Ngaruwa
Abia: Eziama, Umuahia
Yobe: Geidam, Kanama, Potiskum
Plateau: Langtang, Shendam, Wase
Borno: Ngala
Imo: Okigwe, Otoko
Niger: Sarki Pawa
Sokoto: Sokoto, Wamakko, Isa, Shagari, Makira
Kaduna: Kafanchan
Akwa Ibom: Oron
Lagos Lagoon in Danger
Separately, the Lagos State Government has warned that the Lagos Lagoon faces an environmental and social crisis that could lead to its collapse unless urgent action is taken.
The warning came from Dayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, during a press briefing in Ikeja. He spoke ahead of the state’s first waterfront summit, scheduled for September 11 on Victoria Island.
The summit, themed “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience”, will gather more than 500 experts worldwide to discuss threats to the lagoon and explore sustainable solutions.
Alebiosu revealed that coastal erosion has already destroyed communities such as Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki, forcing people from their homes and livelihoods. He added that parts of Ghana face similar devastation, showing the crisis is not just local but regional and global.
Support From China
In related news, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, signed an agreement with China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to provide financial aid for flood-hit communities.
Bagudu described the support as timely, saying it would help the government deliver relief materials and rebuild livelihoods. He promised the funds would be handled transparently, with both governments monitoring their use.
Ambassador Dunhai expressed China’s solidarity, noting that both nations have recently suffered severe flooding
