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NEMA Steps Up Flood Response Efforts Across Nigeria

NEMA Steps Up Flood Response Efforts Across Nigeria
By: Abdulkadir Ibrahim
In the wake of recent devastating floods that have severely impacted communities across Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified its efforts to mitigate the effects and provide essential relief to those affected. The scale of the disaster is significant, with 27 states affected, over 227,000 people displaced or impacted, 32,837 houses destroyed, and 16,488 hectares of farmland ravaged, according to data from NEMA’s Emergency Operations Centre.
This latest flood disaster underscores the vulnerability of many communities across the country to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. NEMA’s rapid response is crucial in providing immediate relief and preventing further loss of life and property.
Proactive Measures and Timely Response
NEMA’s swift and decisive response to these flooding incidents highlights the agency’s commitment to disaster preparedness and proactive crisis management. Even before the floods struck, NEMA had taken steps to ensure a rapid response by mobilizing search and rescue teams, and placing all its zonal and operational offices on high alert. This foresight and readiness were essential in mitigating the immediate impacts of the floods, allowing for a quick deployment of resources and personnel to the most affected areas.
One of the key aspects of NEMA’s response strategy has been its collaboration with the various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs). By working closely with state governments, NEMA has been able to conduct comprehensive assessments of the flood’s impact and coordinate the deployment of relief materials. These efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that assistance reaches those in need without delay.
The relief items stockpiled for immediate deployment by NEMA include essential supplies such as food, clothing, medical supplies, and temporary shelter. These items are critical in providing immediate support to displaced individuals and families, helping them to stabilize their situation as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. The agency’s ability to rapidly mobilize and deliver these resources reflects its operational efficiency and the importance of its preparedness measures.
Public Awareness and Preventive Measures
While immediate relief efforts are essential, NEMA is also focused on long-term strategies to reduce the impact of future flooding incidents. One of the core components of this strategy is public education. NEMA has intensified its public sensitization campaigns, which are designed to raise awareness about the importance of solid waste management and the need to keep drainages and waterways clear. Blocked waterways are a major cause of flooding, and by addressing this issue, NEMA hopes to reduce the frequency and severity of future floods.
Grassroots awareness programs have been rolled out across the country, targeting communities that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. These programs involve workshops and advocacy campaigns aimed at educating residents on how to protect their environment and reduce the risk of floods. NEMA is also working with local governments and community leaders to promote the adoption of best practices in waste management and environmental stewardship.
Director General Zubaida Umar has been at the forefront of these efforts, emphasizing the critical role that communities play in flood prevention and response. She has urged communities living along waterways and in other high-risk areas to take proactive measures by relocating to safer, higher grounds ahead of the peak rainy season. Such preemptive actions are vital in reducing the potential for casualties and significant property damage.
Call to Action for Stakeholders
In addition to its efforts at the community level, NEMA is calling on all stakeholders involved in disaster management to remain vigilant and prepared to activate their flood response plans at short notice. With the increasing frequency of flood incidents, it is essential that SEMAs, local governments, and community leaders are ready to respond quickly and effectively to protect lives and property.
Director General Umar has also addressed concerns from farmers regarding the temporary dry season being experienced in some states. She assured them that this situation is temporary and is in line with the seasonal climate predictions released earlier this year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). She advised farmers to remain calm and continue their agricultural activities, while staying informed about weather updates to ensure they can take appropriate action when necessary.
Commitment to Efficient Disaster Management
NEMA’s ongoing efforts to address the recent floods and prevent future disasters highlight the agency’s unwavering commitment to efficient disaster management in Nigeria. The agency’s proactive approach, which includes early preparedness, public education, and strong collaboration with state and local governments, serves as a model for disaster management practices across the country.
As Nigeria continues to face the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, NEMA’s work is more important than ever. The agency’s ability to coordinate timely responses, enhance public awareness, and foster collaboration among various stakeholders is critical in mitigating the effects of natural disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
NEMA’s efforts also underscore the importance of community involvement in disaster management. By empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves, NEMA is helping to build a more resilient nation, capable of withstanding the increasing threat of natural disasters.
Looking Ahead
The challenges of managing natural disasters in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted, requiring a coordinated and sustained effort from all levels of government, as well as the active participation of the public. NEMA’s proactive stance, combined with its emphasis on preparedness, education, and collaboration, will be crucial in addressing these challenges and reducing the impact of future disasters.
As the rainy season continues, NEMA will remain vigilant, ready to respond to new flood incidents as they arise. The agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property, coupled with its focus on long-term disaster prevention, positions it as a key player in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters.
*Abdulkadir Ibrahim
Press Unit NEMA Headquarters Abuja
16th August 2024
NEMA Steps Up Flood Response Efforts Across Nigeria
News
Police arrest two armed suspects in kaduna, recover pistol

Police arrest two armed suspects in kaduna, recover pistol
By: Our Reporter
The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed men and recovered a pistol with live ammunition in Kabala West area of Kaduna metropolis.
Sources said that the suspects was apprehended by police lice patrol team at about 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 15.
He explained that the patrol team, led by ASP Paul Rikici of Kabala West Division, stopped the suspects while they were riding a black TVS motorcycle close to a bridge at Unguwan Mu’azu along the Kaduna bypass expressway.
“Upon search, a Mackrove 9mm pistol loaded with three live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the suspects,” he said.
The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Hassan, 19, of Layin Pampo, and Usman Abubakar, 21, of Unguwan Dankali, Zaria, were immediately arrested and are currently in custody.
Sources added that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Police arrest two armed suspects in kaduna, recover pistol
News
Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina

Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have abducted passengers travelling along Wawal Kaza–Dayi road in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, despite ongoing peace efforts in the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, when the hoodlums blocked a Sharoon vehicle conveying commuters from Zaria to Dutsinma.
Among those abducted were two 300-level students of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, identified as Onwe Esther Chiamaka and Noah Patience, both from the Department of Sociology. Also kidnapped was a male student, Goza Darios Doorchuji, of the Library Science Department.
On receiving a distress, security forces were promptly mobilized to scene, The area was cordoned off and during the operation, Doorchuji was rescued unhurt.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe release of the two female students and to apprehend the perpetrators,”said security sources.
The incident comes despite renewed peace deals and assurances by authorities aimed at ending banditry in Katsina and other parts of the North-West.
Despite peace deal, bandits strike again, abduct passengers including student in katsina
News
Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe

Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has advised the management and staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to redouble their efforts and ensure that Nigeria has an authentic and reliable registration database.
He also called on the NIMC to monitor their database while issuing national identification numbers to citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity.
The governor gave the advice when he received the management team of NIMC as part of their celebration to mark NIN Day 2025 at the Government House, Damaturu, the state capital.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune). He said the national identity number is a single, unique number that identifies persons for life, serving as the most authentic way to verify a person’s identity.
Governor Buni emphasized the need for full registration of legal residents so as to have an accurate Nigerian population and enable Nigerians to have access to essential services.
Speaking earlier, the state coordinator of NIMC Yobe State, Mr. Zaman Yaksha, informed the governor that 16 September of every year has been set aside to celebrate and create awareness on the importance of national identification registration.
Mr. Yaksha revealed that recently there were directives from the presidency that all Nigerians must register with NIMC irrespective of their age.
He commended the Yobe state government for the full support given to the commission in the discharge of its duty.
Buni urges NIMC to redouble efforts on registration in Yobe
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