In a bid to reduce the devastation caused by floods across the country, the Federal Government is set to kick off a nationwide flood preparedness and awareness campaign this May.
This was revealed by Mr. Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director of the Department of Flood, Erosion Control, and Coastal Management at the Federal Ministry of Environment, during a recent interview. According to him, the campaign will start in Abuja’s Dutse area before expanding to flood-prone communities like Lokogoma and Lugbe, among others.
This initiative follows alarming predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which listed 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory as potential flood zones between April and November 2025.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, also raised concern while presenting the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook. He identified states such as Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, and many others as being at high risk.
He warned that climate change continues to escalate the frequency and impact of flooding, especially in coastal and riverine areas due to rising sea levels and tidal surges.
In 2024 alone, floods wreaked havoc across 34 states, affecting over 1.3 million Nigerians. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 740,734 people were displaced, 321 lost their lives, and over 2,800 were injured. Thousands of farmlands were also destroyed, severely impacting food security.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, emphasized the importance of taking the campaign to the grassroots. Speaking through Dr. Kofoworola Soleye, Head of the agency’s Ekiti office, she stated that many rural communities remain unaware of basic safety measures. The recently concluded five-day sensitization program in Ekiti aimed to bridge this knowledge gap.
She highlighted that the NEMA-GEPAD initiative is designed to directly engage communities, demonstrating practical safety measures and evacuation strategies.
During the campaign, officials visited high-risk locations like Ikere and Ido Ekiti, urging residents to be vigilant and relocate to safer grounds when necessary.
As Nigeria enters the rainy season, authorities are calling for collective action and early preparedness. Community leaders are urged to play an active role in disseminating safety information, while residents are encouraged to stay alert and proactive.
Stay informed and alert! If you live in a flood-prone area, follow government advisories, prepare for emergencies, and share safety tips with your community. Early action can save lives.
Follow NIGPOST for updates on flood alerts and preparedness tips across Nigeria.
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