The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised an urgent alert to communities residing along the River Niger, particularly in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara States, advising them to relocate immediately to higher and safer grounds as water levels continue to rise dangerously.
This advisory, issued over the weekend, follows hydrological data from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which indicated a sharp increase in the volume of water flowing from upstream into the River Niger. According to officials, the development poses an imminent flood risk to low-lying and riverine communities across the affected states.
NEMA, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Zubaida Umar, emphasised the need for proactive measures to avert loss of lives and property. She stated that the agency had already commenced early warning alerts and sensitisation campaigns in collaboration with state emergency management agencies and local authorities to ensure residents in high-risk areas are aware of the potential dangers.
“We urge residents in flood-prone areas along the River Niger to act immediately and move to safer locations. The current water level is rising rapidly and could lead to severe flooding if precautionary steps are not taken,” the statement read.
Communities along the floodplains of the River Niger are often among the hardest hit during the rainy season, with heavy rainfall and upstream water release from dams in neighbouring countries contributing to overflow and inundation. NEMA disclosed that it is working closely with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
In recent years, similar flood incidents in the region have led to displacement, loss of farmland, and significant damage to infrastructure. In 2012 and again in 2018, devastating floods swept through these same states, leaving thousands homeless and causing billions of naira in economic losses.
Local governments in affected states have been advised to activate their emergency response plans and designate temporary shelters for displaced residents. Meanwhile, NEMA teams have been deployed to vulnerable communities to provide guidance and facilitate evacuations where necessary.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the effects of climate change and extreme weather events, NEMA stressed the importance of preparedness and community cooperation in reducing the impact of natural disasters.
Residents are urged to remain alert, heed official warnings, and avoid returning to high-risk areas until authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
