The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified flood awareness and emergency preparedness campaigns in 15 high-risk Nigerian states, including Kogi, Imo, Enugu, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This follows the tragic flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, which claimed over 200 lives and left hundreds missing.
NEMA’s Head of Press, Manzo Ezekiel, emphasized that many victims lived in flood-prone gullies and were caught off guard despite official warnings. Mokwa, a commercial hub, has faced repeated flooding, exacerbated by heavy rains forecasted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency during the April to October rainy season.
Niger State, home to major dams like Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, has experienced multiple floods in 2025 alone, devastating thousands of farms and communities. Ezekiel urged all communities, even those not labeled “high risk,” to remain vigilant and heed early warnings, emphasizing proactive evacuation and flood mitigation.
The Federal Government, working with state agencies, has ramped up relief and rescue operations. NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar promptly visited the Mokwa flood site to coordinate support and community education efforts, including emergency healthcare and evacuation training.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Utsev clarified that dam water releases did not cause the Mokwa flooding, attributing it instead to extreme weather and blocked waterways due to unregulated construction. He reiterated the importance of strengthening drainage systems and relocating vulnerable communities, per the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, which identifies 33 states and the FCT as flood-risk areas.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the death toll at 160 as recovery efforts continue. Meanwhile, the League of Northern Democrats has called for government compensation, resettlement programs, and infrastructure rebuilding to support displaced victims.
In Ekiti State, another flood-risk area, NEMA and local agencies are conducting community forums to promote flood prevention, emphasizing proper waste disposal and disaster preparedness.
Flooding remains a serious threat across Nigeria, impacting lives, health, infrastructure, and the economy. NEMA continues nationwide advocacy, urging all Nigerians to stay alert and adopt preventive measures to mitigate the devastating effects of future floods.
