The Federal Government on Wednesday forecast potential flooding in 38 locations across 11 states.

It warned that heavy rainfall from Wednesday, July 16, to Sunday, July 20, 2025, could trigger flooding in the 11 states.

The alert, obtained by our correspondent, was issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department.

The alert was signed by the Director of the department, Usman Bokani.

States expected to be affected by the prediction, according to the prediction, include Adamawa [Mubi]; Akwa Ibom [Edor, Upenekang, Oron, Eket]; Borno [Ngala, Maiduguri]; Bauchi [Azare, Bauchi, Itas, Jama?are, Kafin-Madaki, Jama?a, Kari, Misau]; and Plateau [Jos, Bukuru, Mangu].

Others are Yobe [Jakusko, Machina, Dapchi]; Katsina [Daura]; Kano [Kunchi, Kano, Gezawa, Wudil, Bebeji, Sumaila, Tudun Wada]; and Jigawa [Miga, Gwaram, Diginsa, Ringim, Dutse].

Also listed are Cross River [Calabar, Akpap] and Zamfara [Bungudu, Gusau].

Earlier, the Federal Government initiated the establishment of the National Flood Insurance Policy as a proactive measure to address Nigeria?s growing vulnerability to flood disasters.

Speaking during the opening of the Technical Committee Meeting on the Development of the National Flood Insurance Policy and Implementation Framework, in Abuja in June, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, described the rising flood incidents across the country as a national emergency that demands immediate and decisive action.

He said there is a need to transition from a reactive to a proactive and sustainable approach to flood risk management, and the National Flood Insurance Programme is central to building long-term resilience.

The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director of the Department of Flood, Erosion Control and Coastal Management at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Kunle Awojemila, attributed the multiple flood incidents across Nigeria in recent years to climate change, urbanisation, and inadequate infrastructure.

He said the proposed insurance scheme would provide a financial safety net for individuals, communities, and businesses, reduce government spending on emergency relief, and promote shared responsibility among all tiers of government and the private sector. (The PUNCH)

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