The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a critical flood prediction for 15 states and 69 communities across Nigeria, warning that heavy rainfall from September 24th to September 28th, 2025, could lead to severe flooding.
A Recurring Crisis
Flooding has become a devastating annual event in Nigeria. It displaces thousands of people, destroys homes and infrastructure, and severely impacts food security. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports that as of September 20, 2025, no fewer than 232 people have lost their lives, 121,224 have been displaced, and 339,658 people have been affected by floods this year alone.
With this new warning, it’s crucial for everyone to be prepared. This is especially true for smallholder farmers, as their farmlands and livelihoods are often the first to be swept away. The loss of crops and livestock can lead to persistent poverty and further jeopardize food production for the entire nation.
The Importance of Agricultural Insurance for Smallholder Farmers
In the face of such a high risk, agricultural insurance can be a lifeline for smallholder farmers. It provides a financial safety net, allowing them to recover from losses and continue their farming activities. In Nigeria, companies like the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) and other private firms offer various products designed to protect farmers against perils like fire, windstorm, drought, and flood.
These policies can cover:
Crops: Multi-peril policies protect against the loss of crops during their physiological stage.
Livestock: Insurance can cover mortality of farm animals due to disease, fire, and flooding.
Farm Property: This includes damage to buildings, machinery, and equipment.
As we at AyosifamHub have often discussed, while challenges like low awareness and high premium costs have historically limited its uptake, the importance of this tool cannot be overstated. By providing financial compensation, insurance can stabilize a farmer’s income, give them the confidence to invest more in their farms, and even serve as collateral for loans.
Affected States and Communities
The Flood Early Warning (FEW) center has identified the following states and their specific communities as being at high risk:
The Ministry of Environment is urging all stakeholders, communities, and individuals in these areas to take this warning seriously. While authorities prepare for preventive measures and potential relief efforts, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:
Stay Informed: Follow local news and official government channels for real-time updates on weather and flood warnings.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Pack essentials like clean water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and important documents in a waterproof bag.
Secure Your Home: Clear drains and gutters, move valuable items to higher ground, and ensure your property is as secure as possible.
Plan Evacuation Routes: Know the safest route out of your area and have a designated meeting point for your family in case of an emergency.
This is a critical time for those living in the at-risk states. Remember that preparation is key to staying safe. Please share this information with your friends, family, and neighbours to help them prepare as well.
