An aerial view of Maiduguri's bustling Lagos Street and surrounding neighborhood in Borno State, showing properties submerged by floods following the collapse of Alau Dam on 9 September 2024. ©Stanley David Balami

Abuja — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has raised alarm over the escalating floods in Nigeria, which are exacerbating the already deteriorating food security situation in the country. These floods, which have affected 29 states, are displacing thousands, destroying farmland and claiming lives. As of early September, more than 2.5 million people have been impacted, with around 200 000 displaced.

FAO is deeply concerned about the potential for increased hunger, as nearly 31.8 million Nigerians are already at risk of acute food insecurity. “The floods continue to push vulnerable communities deeper into poverty, and the widespread loss of farmland will severely affect food security. Urgent coordinated action is needed to avert a worsening humanitarian disaster,” said FAO Representative ad interim, Koffy Dominique Kouacou.

By 10 September 2024, FAO had recorded 1.3 million hectares (ha) of land submerged, including 558 000 ha of cropland across the country. Floodwaters are expected to continue rising further as rivers swell and dams approach their maximum capacity, further threatening communities across Northern Nigeria. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that the northeast and west are at imminent risk of further flooding. States most at risk include Borno, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

“Enhanced infrastructure, improved early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms are crucial to addressing the crisis and building long-term resilience,” Mr Kouacou emphasized. The upcoming October-November 2024 analysis of the Cadre Harmonisé will further quantify the floods' impact on food security and nutrition in Nigeria and the region.

Impact of floods on northeastern Nigeria

Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, where FAO has a strong presence, have been particularly hard hit. Some 880 000 people have been affected in the three states and nearly 300 000 ha of farmland have been destroyed.  

Following the collapse of the Alau dam in Konduga Local Government Areas (LGA) of Borno state on 10 September, floods have severely impacted the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere LGAs, affecting over 239 000 people. An estimated 50 percent of Maiduguri was affected by floods. The floods have disrupted access to essential services, including hospitals, schools, and markets, with significant damage to infrastructure, including bridges. Evacuations from high-risk areas are underway. Authorities in the state have identified eight centers to temporarily settle the evacuees. The area is now on high alert for outbreaks of diseases including cholera, malaria, and typhoid as well as animal and zoonotic diseases.

Adamawa State is at imminent risk due to the discharge of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

Ongoing coordination and response
OCHA is leading the response on behalf of partners to support government authorities. FAO, through OCHA, is supporting the NEMA and SEMA to assess the immediate needs and affected communities. In Maiduguri, efforts are ongoing to assist victims of the floods including reopening of eight IDP camps, distribution of food and essential non-food items.

FAO’s call for assistance
FAO is urging immediate and flexible funding to support ongoing humanitarian response and early recovery efforts, including food and non-food items. FAO, through OCHA, is working closely with local authorities to assess the impacts of the floods on agricultural assets and livelihoods while strengthening early warning systems. FAO calls on the international community for continued advocacy and support of the evolving disaster.

FAO remains committed to supporting Nigeria in addressing this urgent crisis, preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, and strengthening resilience against future disasters.

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