No fewer than 241 people died, while 459,995 others were affected by floods across 27 states and 128 local government areas in 2025, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said.
The agency noted that the impact was lower than in the previous year. It linked the improvement to better planning and response.
Speaking in Abuja, NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, stressed the need for early action and better coordination to manage climate risks.
She spoke at a technical meeting on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction with the Emergency Coordination Forum. The event also featured a review of the 2025 flood response.
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Umar said the lessons from last year must guide future plans. She urged stakeholders to step up efforts as the rainy season approaches.
She warned that flooding risks remain high and require urgent action.
“The 2026 seasonal climate prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency gives insight into rainfall patterns, temperature changes, and other key climate signals,” she said.
She called for stronger early warning systems and closer teamwork among agencies.
Umar also urged government bodies and partners to act on climate data. She said this will help reduce losses and protect vulnerable communities.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
