Various states across the country and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have activated strategies following warnings of imminent heavy flooding.
This is even as the federal government has approved N125.5 billion to support nationwide flood preparedness, mitigation and response efforts.
The approval followed a presentation by the director general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who disclosed this at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. In her presentation at the meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mrs. Umar briefed the council on the status of flood incidents across the country and outlined NEMA’s preparedness strategy, which includes ongoing risk assessments, early warning dissemination and coordinated response mechanisms.
After deliberations, the NEC approved the release of intervention funds, with N3 billion allocated to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In addition, N1.5 billion was approved each for the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. NEMA received N10 billion to support its central coordination and emergency response efforts.
The FCT flood alert, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEWS) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, predicts severe flooding between July 31 and August 4.
In particular, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed that 11 high-risk areas in Abuja could be affected. These include Asokoro, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Damagaza, Garki 1 and 2, Guzape, Wuse 1 and 2, Gwarinpa, Nyanya, the Central Business District (CBD) and Kubwa.
FEMD’s acting director-general, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed, stated, “We have placed our search and rescue team on red alert to prevent loss of life in case of severe flooding.
“Our priority is ensuring residents’ safety, and we are fully prepared to respond to emergencies.”
The department urged residents to take precautions, advising, “Do not drive or walk through floodwaters. Wait for the water to recede or use alternative routes.”
FEMD also called on communities to clear drainage systems to allow free flow of water and reduce flood risks.
The alert extended warnings to nearby states including Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna. In Niger State, areas such as Suleja, Mashegu, Sarkin Pawa, and Rijau face high flood risks.
Similarly, Mararaba, Gidan Rogo, Wamba, Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo in Nasarawa State are under threat. Kaduna State’s Zaria, Jaji, Kauru, Kachia and Buruku may also experience severe flooding.
FEMD reassured the public that water levels are being closely monitored and mitigation measures are in place.
Residents were reminded to stay alert, avoid flood-prone zones, and heed official advisories from emergency agencies.
The Kaduna State government says it has established safe centers for people living in flood-prone areas just as it has dredged and expanded waterways.
According to the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) the safe centres are equipped with tents, food and non-food items and essential supplies for the temporary relocation of residents who may face flood challenges.
SEMA’s executive secretary, Dr Usman Hayatu Mazadu, said the centres would alleviate the suffering of residents during flood.
Also, in order to avert the flood that crippled parts of the state last year, the state government has launched a massive dredging and expansion of waterways in flood-prone areas.
The commissioner for environment, Abubakar Buba, said the government had mapped out vulnerable spots for urgent intervention to tackle this year’s flood.
In Sokoto, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) urged residents in flood-prone areas to take proactive safety measures with several safety advisories to mitigate disaster.
SEMA media and information officer, Abubakar Abdullahi, said residents were urged to clear drainage systems in their surroundings to allow free water flow.
“They should avoid walking or driving through flooded areas where currents may appear mild but can be dangerous, and prepare emergency kits with essentials such as food, clean water, first aid supplies, flashlights, and power banks.
“People living in low-lying or flood-prone areas are advised to move to higher ground. Households are also advised to disconnect electricity during flooding to reduce the risk of electrocution or fire outbreaks.”
Niger State head of NEMA Minna Operations Office, Alhaji Hussaini Isah, said 16 of the 25 local government areas were at high risk of flooding from July to September, and sensitisation of those on the flood plain had started.
The chairman, Dam Host Communities, Prof. Danlaldi Hakimi, assured that the communities would be sensitised to take caution on flood.
The executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, North South Power Company Ltd, operators of the Shiroro dam, Engr. Olubunmi Peters, said the permanent solution to flooding in flood prone areas was to keep away from flood plains.
Meanwhile, the state government has urged communities along the riverside to take flood warnings seriously.
The special adviser to the governor on communication, media and strategy, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, said there was the urgent need for those living along river banks to relocate to safe places.
He said efforts were being made to ensure that the disaster in Mokwa is not witnessed in any part of the state again.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State assured his government’s readiness to take urgent action against flood disasters.
This followed the latest flooding in Zogirma village in Bunza local government area where over 100 houses and farmlands were destroyed.
The governor promised a befitting IDP estate for affected communities in the state.
Acting General Manager of the Benue State Environmental and Sanitation Authority (BENSESA), Chief Anta Igbaato, urged residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas to immediately relocate to higher grounds. While advising residents in vulnerable areas to begin voluntary evacuation to safer places he described the flood threat as real and confirmed, saying residents are advised to clear all drainage systems around their homes and communities to ensure the unhindered flow of water.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has constituted a 21-member relief and post-recovery committee charged with the responsibility of providing relief for flood victims in the state.
The committee is chaired by the deputy governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, with Awwal Tukur, the SSG as secretary, among others.
Fintiri reassured that the government would do its best to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
“We are committed to providing relief and support to affected communities and working towards sustainable solutions to mitigate future disasters,” the governor stated.
Delta State commissioner for works (rural roads) and public information, Mr Charles Aniagwu and his environment counterpart, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, said the state government had intensified crackdown on indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially on drainages and water channels, warning that violators would face stiff penalties.
According to them, the governor had directed the Ministry of Environment to come heavy on anybody dumping refuse or turning our drains to dump sites.
Recurrent flooding and erosion in coastal communities in the state have devastated farmlands, homes and livelihoods.
In Igbide Kingdom, lsoko South LGA, Vanguard Area, Oshimili north LGA, Ugboba, Ukwu-Nzu and Obomkpan in Aniocha North local government area face imminent ecological disaster. The annual loss of harvests and the submersion of properties by water is heart-rending.
Disaster Risk Expert, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, assured the state remain committed to the gradual eradication of flooding through the ongoing construction of rainwater bunkers across the state.
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