The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an urgent warning to residents living along the River Niger in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States, advising them to move to safer areas as water levels continue to rise due to inflows from the Republic of Benin.
In a statement issued to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency has activated its flood preparedness and response protocols.
She directed NEMA’s regional and zonal offices along the River Niger corridor to intensify public awareness efforts and mobilisation campaigns in at-risk communities.
With concerns mounting over flood-prone areas, residents have been strongly encouraged to evacuate to higher grounds as a precautionary measure.
Umar also called on state governments in the affected areas to support their respective State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs).
She stressed the importance of implementing contingency plans to lessen the impact of potential flooding.
“It’s critical that we coordinate our efforts and respond swiftly to protect lives and livelihoods,” she said, reiterating NEMA’s commitment to a comprehensive national flood response strategy amid growing climate risks.
NEMA assured the public that it was closely monitoring the situation and working with national and regional partners to minimise risks and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
