The warning comes amid widespread criticism of the apparent failure of state governments to use over N620 billion in ecological funds effectively to prevent such disasters.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 20 states including Lagos, Sokoto, Benue, and Edo, face significant flash flood risks in July due to intensified rainfall.
The warning comes amid widespread criticism of the apparent failure of state governments to use over N620 billion in ecological funds effectively to prevent such disasters.
In its July alert issued Monday, NiMet listed high-risk states as Sokoto, Lagos, Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Ogun, and Cross River, among others.
The agency urged residents in vulnerable areas to relocate, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, and implement other flood mitigation measures.
The alert followed a devastating flood in Ondo State over the weekend that destroyed property in Owo, Okitipupa, Ilaje, and Ese Odo local government areas.
Affected residents, such as Mr. Joshua Jemiloni from Okitipupa, decried the destruction.
“The flooding was caused by erosion and the overflow of the Igodan stream. It affected about 10 buildings,” he said.
Local leaders, including Owo Local Government Area Chairman Tope Omolayo, appealed for urgent intervention, while Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged continued dredging and enforcement of environmental laws to reduce disaster impact.
Despite the release of N622.15 billion from the Ecological Fund between 2012 and February 2025, critics argue the funds have not translated into visible protection or infrastructure.
According to SBM Intelligence, floods since July 2024 have affected over 1.2 million Nigerians and destroyed 180,000 hectares of farmland across 31 states.
Afolabi Abiodun, President of the Africa Environmental Health Organisation, said, “The government claims to be trying, but frankly, we don’t see the impact.
“These funds are supposed to build resilience in flood-prone states. Instead, we see a reaction to crises.”
He added, “It’s not just the federal government. What are the state ministries doing? The lack of accountability and transparency is painful.”
Nathaniel Atebije, former president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, blamed recurring floods partly on the federal government’s failure to honour a dam agreement with Cameroon to control River Benue overflow.
Environmental expert Hakeem Mukhtar also questioned the ecological fund’s efficiency.
“From a practical standpoint, many communities lack drainage systems and climate resilience plans. The issue isn’t the lack of funds, but poor governance and planning,” Muktar said.
Climate researcher Abeeb Ajagbe echoed these concerns, citing widespread mismanagement.
“We need transparent tracking mechanisms. Current efforts are inadequate and unmeasurable,” he said.
A report by StatiSense in May showed flooding affected over 116,000 people across 12 states, with Zamfara, Lagos, and Kwara the worst hit. 
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