Nigeria: Floods - May 2025

Heavy rainfall affected western Nigeria between 29 and 30 May, causing devastating floods that have resulted in casualties and severe damage. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as of 30 May, at least 97 people died, 20 are still missing and 45 have been injured in Kpege village of the Mokwa local government area in Niger state. At least 1,500 people have been affected including 200 displaced, approximately 50 houses have been destroyed by floods, and critical infrastructures and croplands have been damaged as well. Over the next 48 hours, more rainfall is still forecast over central and southern Nigeria, with local heavy rainfall in the southern part of the country. (ECHO, 30 May 2025)

At least 153 people have died following flooding on 29 May in Mokwa, Niger State, in north-central Nigeria, according to State authorities. Many people, among them children, are reportedly missing. More than 3,000 people have been displaced, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). This includes over 1,600 children under the age of 12 and about 380 lactating mothers, according to UNICEF. Flooding has affected key roads and bridges, disrupting transport and economic activity. Mokwa is a transit hub, linking traders from southern Nigeria with food producers in the north. The town plays a strategic role in regional commerce and transportation. Priority humanitarian needs include emergency shelter, clean water and sanitation hygiene and psychosocial support for children and other vulnerable people. (OCHA, 2 Jun 2025)