The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported widespread devastation due to flooding, impacting 27 states across Nigeria. According to NEMA, the floods have displaced 227,494 individuals and damaged 32,837 homes. Additionally, 16,488 hectares of farmland, including crops, have been affected.
In a statement issued on Thursday by NEMA’s spokesperson, Ezekiel Manzo, Director-General Zubaida Umar highlighted the ongoing efforts to address the crisis. Umar emphasized that NEMA would continue public awareness campaigns and workshops on waste management to prevent blocked drainages and waterways.
Umar stated, “NEMA will persist in raising public consciousness about the importance of clearing blocked drainage systems and managing solid waste. According to our Emergency Operations Centre, which oversees flood monitoring and resource deployment, 27 states have been impacted, resulting in significant damage to homes, farmland, and displacement of thousands.”
She urged State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and community leaders to be prepared for quick flood response and reassured farmers that the current dry spell is expected to end soon based on forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Umar advised communities at risk and those along waterways to move to safer, elevated areas before the peak of the rainy season. She called for readiness among all stakeholders to activate flood response plans as needed, noting the increasing frequency of flood incidents in some regions.
NEMA remains committed to coordinating disaster management efforts and providing essential support across the country. The agency is actively assessing the flood damage and coordinating relief operations with various SEMAs to aid affected communities.