Abuja, Nigeria – The devastating floods that struck Mokwa, Niger State, have triggered widespread concern across Nigeria, with warnings that more states could be severely impacted in the coming weeks. Farmers and agricultural stakeholders are raising red flags over looming food insecurity, calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further damage to lives and livelihoods.
The flood disaster in Mokwa is the latest chapter in a growing crisis linked to climate change and poor infrastructure. Heavy rains, overflowing rivers, and broken drainage systems have combined to inundate farmlands, displace thousands, and threaten food systems nationwide. According to 2024 data, more than 2.5 million Nigerians were affected by flooding, with over 16,000 hectares of farmland destroyed across 29 states. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that 855,629 metric tonnes of food were lost—enough to feed 8.5 million people for six months.
Farmers Raise the Alarm
The National President of Yam Farmers Association of Nigeria (YFAN), Prof. Simon Irtwange, speaking from Benue State, warned that the 2025 flood predictions point to even greater devastation.
“Nigerians are already food insecure due to banditry and herdsmen attacks,” Irtwange said. “Flooding will just add to the equation by destroying more farmlands.”
He urged the government to improve drainage systems, clear water channels, and engage local communities in maintaining infrastructure.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) also expressed concern. National President Kabir Ibrahim noted that while flooding hasn’t yet affected crops due to early timing, the erosion of cultivable land will reduce productivity.
“If flooding of this magnitude persists, the dream of food security in Nigeria will be in jeopardy,” Ibrahim said.
Government Warnings and Flood Risk Forecast
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, at a recent press conference, cited the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), identifying 1,249 communities in 176 LGAs as high flood-risk zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs were listed as moderate-risk, including major agricultural states such as Benue, Taraba, Kebbi, and Jigawa.
“States, LGAs, and communities must prepare ahead to avoid the fury of waters,” Minister Utsev warned.
Private Sector and NGOs Call for Action
Sandra Victor-Gwafan, CEO of Debranch Farmers, based in Kaduna, described the Mokwa floods as a “stark reminder” of the vulnerability of Nigeria’s food systems.
“Many of our members have already lost planted crops, seedlings, and infrastructure. Any disruption now could drive food scarcity to alarming levels.”
Victor-Gwafan outlined several urgent and medium-term recommendations:
- Localized flood warnings in native languages via SMS and radio
- Emergency support funds and insurance payouts for affected farmers
- Drainage and water infrastructure improvements
- Decentralized food storage to prevent post-harvest losses
- Adoption of climate-smart agriculture techniques like raised-bed farming and flood-tolerant crops
Hunger Crisis Looms Without Urgent Response
Stakeholders across the board are warning that Nigeria’s already fragile food supply is at imminent risk of collapse if the flood predictions materialize.
With high food prices, disrupted supply chains, and millions vulnerable to hunger, experts say only a coordinated national response can prevent a full-blown humanitarian crisis.
“The risk is not hypothetical,” Victor-Gwafan warned. “It is very real and imminent.”
