- The director-general called on state governments to provide logistical backing for SEMAs and activate their local emergency management committees.
- She stressed coordinated action and timely response as vital to saving lives and minimising damage from potential flooding this year.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states to relocate from flood-prone areas.
The agency’s director-general, Zubaida Umar, said the advisory followed alerts of rising water levels from the Republic of Benin.
She noted that NEMA had activated its flood preparedness and response protocols to avert possible disaster.
She directed the agency’s zonal offices along the River Niger corridor to intensify awareness and sensitisation in vulnerable communities.
“Residents in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states, which share borders with Benin Republic, are particularly at risk and are advised to take necessary precautions,” she said.
She added that offices had been instructed to sensitise communities to remain vigilant and evacuate from high-risk flood plains.
Umar appealed to state governments in the affected states to support their respective emergency management agencies.
She urged them to mobilise local emergency committees and implement contingency measures to cushion the impact of possible flooding.
“It’s critical that we coordinate our efforts and respond swiftly to protect lives and livelihoods,” she said.
She explained that NEMA was working to mitigate the effects of this year’s flooding and safeguard communities in danger.
The director-general stressed that the agency was committed to a comprehensive national flood response plan in the face of worsening climate risks.