National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning to residents along the River Niger in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, advising them to relocate to safer locations.
Gatekeepers News reports that Zubaida Umar, NEMA’s director-general, said the alert follows reports of rising water levels upstream in the Republic of Benin.
She explained that the agency has already activated its flood preparedness and response protocols.
According to Umar, NEMA’s regional and zonal offices along the River Niger corridor have been directed to intensify awareness campaigns and mobilise residents in communities at risk.
She said, “Residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with Benin Republic, are particularly at risk and are advised to take necessary precautions.”
“NEMA offices have been instructed to sensitise communities to remain vigilant and advise residents in high-risk flood plains to evacuate to safer, higher grounds.”
Umar also appealed to the affected state governments to support their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in implementing contingency measures to reduce the potential impact.
She said, “It’s critical that we coordinate our efforts and respond swiftly to protect lives and livelihoods.”
“The agency is working to mitigate the potential impact of this year’s flooding and protect communities at risk.”
The DG reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to a robust national flood response strategy, especially in view of increasing climate-related risks.
