Following the flood alert threat disclosed by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, NHSA, of eminent flood in more than 20 states across the federation, the Federal Government has declared the threat as a national security priority with the unveiling of a new Anticipatory Action Framework on Floods (AAFF), with a shift in the disaster approach to proactive.
The NIHSA warned that over 100 major roads, including the Okene/Lokoja/Abuja and Birnin Kebbi/Bunza corridors may face a serious flood disruption including over 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before August 5.
According to the AAFF, developed by the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF), features a combination of both scientific and traditional data-gathering methods, early warning triggers and a consolidated budget designed to build resilience in flood-prone states and communities across the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been properly briefed with the draft framework and consolidated budget yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to the authorities, the disaster management must be approached as a matter of national security urging stakeholders to adopt a scientific, preventive mindset.
Reacting, Shettima said, “Disasters are security issues”, “Over the years, we have mostly been reactive instead of practicing proactive disaster management. By seizing this initiative and believing in science, we have followed due process to map out a roadmap.”
He applauded President Bola Tinubu for providing the required leadership to priorities disaster preparedness as well as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for its role in coordinating the initiative.
In his comment, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, described the framework as a major policy shift.
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, reiterated the urgency of early response on disasters, warning that while natural disasters were often beyond human control, preparation and response always determine the extent of the impact.
Other economically strategic routes identified by NIHSA include the Ibi/Wukari Road, along with key transport infrastructure in Lagos, the FCT and parts of the Niger Delta region.
According to the alert as signed by NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammad, revealed that about 739 communities and 162 local councils were at high risk of flooding during the period under review.
The warning aligns with NIHSA’s 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released in April based on prevailing hydrological patterns and rainfall forecasts.
NIHSA cautioned that widespread flooding could disrupt the movement of passengers and goods, posing serious risks to trade routes, logistics systems, and food supply chains across affected regions.
It further added that the intensity and impact of the flooding would vary across regions, urging vulnerable communities to heed to early precautions to minimise impact.
Meanwhile, the agency has called on emergency management stakeholders to be on high alert for response protocols, while advising residents in high-risk areas to implement evacuation plans without delay.
The expected geographical spread will affect states, including Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and the FCT