Flood Alert: NEMA Deploys Emergency Teams to 15 High-Risk Nigerian States Amid Worsening Flood Crisis
SpringnewsNG Media Limited | June 4, 2025
The urgent move follows the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which tragically claimed over 200 lives and left hundreds missing, with many victims residing in gully areas despite official warnings. NEMA confirmed that its anti-flooding campaign will now extend across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
High-Risk States Identified for Immediate Flood Preparedness
According to Manzo Ezekiel, Head of NEMA’s Press Unit, the affected states include Kogi, Imo, Enugu, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and the FCT. He emphasized the need for vigilance, even in locations not previously designated as high-risk zones.
Ezekiel said, “Although Mokwa was listed among flood-prone LGAs, the intensity was unprecedented. Many residents lived in dangerous gullies. When extreme rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, flooding becomes inevitable.”
The 2025 flood season is predicted to be severe. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) recently warned of intense rainfall in Abuja and 14 other states, including Niger, Nigeria’s largest state by landmass and home to major dams like Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro.
Federal and State Agencies Ramp Up Flood Response
NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, visited the flood site within 24 hours of the disaster. Ezekiel confirmed the agency has activated its emergency operations center and strengthened on-ground rescue efforts.
He revealed, “We’ve escalated anti-flooding campaigns nationwide and are meeting directly with at-risk communities. Many people weren’t aware of the risks until our teams engaged them in person.”
Ezekiel noted that advocacy teams are training residents on first aid, evacuation strategies, and basic disaster risk reduction. Communities received first aid kits and were educated on emergency response protocols.
Federal Ministry Denies Dam Failure; Blames Climate Change and Poor Infrastructure
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, dispelled rumors that water release from Kainji or Jebba Dams caused the Mokwa flooding. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, he blamed the disaster on extreme weather linked to climate change, unregulated construction, and blocked tributaries.
Utsev reiterated, “The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook identified Mokwa among the 19 flood-risk LGAs in Niger State. This disaster was not due to dam failure but poor drainage and illegal development.”
The flood submerged an ephemeral tributary of River Dingi, a minor offshoot of the River Niger, with heavy rainfall overwhelming the area.
Over 160 Confirmed Dead; Community Outrage and Calls for Compensation
As of June 3, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed the recovery of 160 bodies, including children buried under debris. NSEMA DG Abdullahi Baba-Arah said verification was done jointly with NEMA, IOM, and the Red Cross.
In response, the League of Northern Democrats demanded compensation for victims’ families and urged the Federal Government to build affordable housing and relocate at-risk communities.
Dr. Ladan Salihu, LND National Publicity Secretary, stated, “Over 700 lives have been lost. We urge the government and corporate organizations to support the rebuilding process and invest in infrastructure and flood prevention measures.”
Flood Risk Worsens in Ekiti as NEMA Intensifies Community Engagement
In Ekiti State—another flood-prone area listed by NiMET—NEMA conducted stakeholder engagement forums as part of its National Disaster Preparedness Campaign.
Dr. Evans Ugoh, NEMA’s Deputy Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, advised residents to stop dumping refuse in waterways and take mitigation measures seriously.
Ekiti SEMA General Manager, Oludare Asaolu, warned that flooding could lead to economic collapse, disease outbreaks, and infrastructure damage if not prevented. He emphasized the need for early evacuation, health preparedness, and risk mapping.
The Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom, Oba Adejumi Adu-Alagbado, applauded disaster management efforts and urged enforcement against illegal waste disposal. “Local councils will begin arresting anyone found dumping refuse in drainage channels,” he warned.
Conclusion: Urgent Call for Nationwide Flood Vigilance and Action
With more than 1,200 communities across 176 LGAs in Nigeria classified as high flood-risk areas, NEMA and its partners are urging citizens to take early warnings seriously. Collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities—as well as proactive community engagement—is now seen as essential to minimizing casualties and economic loss.
As the rainy season intensifies, NEMA’s outreach continues with a clear message: preparedness is no longer optional—it is lifesaving.
