NEMA warns River Niger communities of imminent flood risk

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has directed all field offices along the River Niger to intensify advocacy and mobilisation in response to rising water levels reported upstream in the Republic of Benin.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Umar said residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with Benin Republic, face heightened risks and must take precautionary measures.

“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,” she said.

The DG also urged state governments to strengthen their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to activate contingency plans and preparedness measures.

She reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to coordinated efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and livelihoods, stressing that the agency is working to mitigate the potential impact of this year’s flooding.

Communities in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara were specifically cautioned to remain alert, develop evacuation plans, and follow flood warnings and instructions from NEMA and local authorities.