ABUJA — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a flood alert to communities situated along the River Niger, following reports of surging water levels upstream in the Republic of Benin.
In a directive released on Friday, the agency’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, instructed all NEMA field offices overseeing riverine communities to intensify advocacy and community mobilisation. She underscored that residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states—which share borders with Benin Republic—face heightened risks and must take precautionary steps.
According to the statement, local NEMA offices have been mandated to sensitise residents on the dangers of the rising water and to encourage those in flood-prone plains to relocate to elevated and safer areas.
The Director-General urged state governments to activate their emergency structures, stressing the need for State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees to roll out contingency measures in anticipation of possible flooding. She reiterated NEMA’s resolve to coordinate efforts aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods along the River Niger.
The statement further noted that the agency was working proactively to reduce the impact of potential flooding this year and to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Communities most at risk were identified as those in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, due to their geographical closeness to Benin Republic and their location along the River Niger.
NEMA also advised residents in flood-prone zones to remain alert to official updates, including weather advisories, flood warnings, and evacuation notices.