The chief executive officer of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Gboyega Lesi, has called on Nigerians to take immediate and proactive steps to protect their businesses and homes against flood in anticipation of the severe flooding forecasted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
In a July report presented at a forum in Abuja, NEMA predicted an increase in flooding incidents across 33 states from August through October as the agency urged various sectors to begin taking precautionary measures immediately.
Gboyega Lesi also reechoed NEMA’s warnings, emphasising the seriousness of the situation, stating that, “Flooding poses a significant threat to communities across Nigeria, and the latest Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) report highlights the urgent need for proactive protection measures for individuals, families, properties and investments.”
The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the 2022 flood disaster, deemed the worst in decades, caused about $9.12 billion in direct economic damages, as the federal government and the World Bank estimated.
The assessment reveals extensive damage to residential and non-residential buildings, businesses, households, and public infrastructure and significant disruption to productive and agricultural sectors even as the financial impact is overwhelming, underscoring the need for urgent action.
Lesi underscored Leadway Assurance’s dedication to equipping Nigerians for rapid recovery from disaster impacts through its specialised insurance solutions tailored to the distinct challenges posed by flood-related risks. “Our comprehensive policies offer robust protection, empowering individuals and businesses to recover quickly and effectively after a flood. We understand that each flood scenario is different, and our coverage is flexible enough to meet specific needs and circumstances,” he pointed out.
