NEMA Deploys Flood Awareness Teams to 15 High-Risk States as Mokwa Tragedy Raises Alarm Nationwide
In the wake of the devastating floods that recently swept through Mokwa in Niger State, claiming over 200 lives and displacing hundreds more, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a nationwide awareness campaign across 15 high-risk states. The goal is to educate residents on the looming flood threats and the critical need to evacuate from flood-prone areas before disaster strikes.
Officials from the agency have been dispatched to states considered highly vulnerable to severe flooding this rainy season, which spans from April to October. These states include Kogi, Imo, Enugu, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), among others.
A Warning Unheeded
Speaking on the tragic Mokwa flood incident, the Head of NEMA’s Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel, expressed deep concern that the affected residents had ignored repeated official warnings. He emphasized that most of the victims lived in deep gully areas—naturally occurring depressions or water channels—making them particularly susceptible to flooding.
“Although Mokwa was listed among the local government areas with flood risks, no one expected the scale of destruction that followed,” Ezekiel said. “The magnitude was unprecedented. These people lived in a large gully, and there are numerous communities across the country located in similar dangerous topographies.”
The disaster, which struck on May 23, overwhelmed entire neighborhoods. Rescue and relief efforts have been complicated by the sheer number of missing persons and the extent of infrastructural damage in the region.
Niger State’s Ongoing Flood Crisis
Niger State, Nigeria’s largest by landmass, continues to suffer from a recurring flood crisis. The state is home to several of the country’s most important hydroelectric dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro. A fourth dam is currently under construction. While these dams serve critical energy and agricultural functions, they also pose risks when water management is not tightly controlled.
This year alone, Niger has already experienced multiple flood events. In April, an uncontrolled water release from one of the dams wiped out more than 5,000 farms across 30 communities, including parts of Mokwa. Local authorities reported that this marked the sixth major flood incident in the state within the first five months of 2025.
The recent Mokwa disaster appears to be the deadliest yet, prompting national outcry and calls for urgent action.
Climate Change and Poor Urban Planning: A Deadly Combination
Addressing the root causes of the flooding, Ezekiel stressed that climate change-induced extreme weather, combined with unregulated construction in flood-prone zones, has intensified the impact of seasonal rainfall.
“When rain falls at an intensity beyond what the soil or drainage systems can absorb, especially in areas without proper runoff channels, floods become inevitable,” he warned. “This is what happened in Mokwa. The runoff simply had nowhere else to go.”
Mokwa town, a notable commercial hub in Niger State, experienced torrential rainfall that turned roads into rivers and submerged entire buildings. With rainfall projections expected to worsen in the coming months, NEMA is urging communities across the country to prepare proactively.
National Flood Forecast: A Dire Outlook
Last week, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) issued an urgent advisory, forecasting heavy rainfall and storm activity across 14 states and the FCT. Niger State was prominently featured in the alert. Despite these warnings, many residents either failed to take the advisory seriously or lacked the means to relocate.
The aftermath of the Mokwa flood underscores how rapidly disaster can unfold, even with some level of warning in place. Ezekiel called on all Nigerians, regardless of whether their local government areas are designated as high-risk, to remain vigilant and responsive to early warning systems.
“No community should become complacent simply because they are not explicitly listed,” he said. “Every Nigerian must take ownership of their environment and act accordingly to prevent disasters.”
Nationwide Flood Advocacy Campaigns in Full Gear
In response to the escalating threat, NEMA has expanded its flood awareness and advocacy efforts. Teams have been mobilized to all 36 states and the FCT, with the aim of engaging directly with local communities. These outreach teams are not only educating residents about the dangers of flooding but also collecting feedback to improve emergency response strategies.
“Some communities don’t even understand the gravity of the risks they face until they see someone physically explaining it to them,” Ezekiel noted. “We don’t just drop leaflets or make announcements. We sit with the people, we show them what needs to be done, and we equip them with basic emergency response skills.”
According to NEMA, part of this initiative involves distributing first aid kits and teaching residents how to use them. In some areas, the agency has also begun offering training on evacuation protocols and emergency healthcare.
Collaborative Approach With State Agencies
Ezekiel highlighted that NEMA does not act in isolation. Upon arriving in any state, the agency partners with local emergency management bodies and ministries such as Health, Transport, and Environment. Security agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps and the police, are also incorporated into the response strategy.
“Collaboration has been key to our success,” he said. “When we conducted advocacy programmes in Gombe, the Deputy Governor personally coordinated efforts and ensured that all local government chairpersons were involved. That kind of political will goes a long way.”
The Role of Political Will and Governance
Ezekiel called on political actors and government officials to prioritize environmental safety and climate resilience in their policy agendas.
“Emergency management isn’t just the responsibility of federal agencies. State and local governments must integrate climate and disaster preparedness into urban planning and development policies,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for stricter regulations against unplanned building activities, especially in floodplains, riverbanks, and natural gullies.
Federal Government Response: Swift but Challenges Remain
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has responded to the Mokwa flood by refuting claims that the disaster was caused by the release of water from nearby dams.
At a press conference held in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, clarified that neither the Kainji nor the Jebba dams were responsible for the flooding. Instead, he pointed to extreme rainfall exacerbated by climate change and poor drainage infrastructure as the primary culprits.
“We want to extend our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families,” Utsev said. “But let it be clear that the dams remain intact. This was a natural disaster triggered by heavy rainfall, compounded by human settlement patterns and blocked water channels.”
The minister further explained that construction activities in Mokwa obstructed the flow of River Dingi, a seasonal tributary of River Niger. This blockage created a bottleneck for rainwater runoff, which ultimately led to the widespread flooding.
Urgent Need for Infrastructure Overhaul in Nigeria’s Flood Management
The increasing frequency and severity of flooding incidents across Nigeria have reignited discussions around the nation’s deficient infrastructure and poor urban planning. Experts are unanimous in their view that one of the most critical long-term solutions to Nigeria’s recurring flood crisis lies in a comprehensive overhaul of its urban infrastructure—particularly drainage systems, town planning protocols, and building regulations.
In many Nigerian towns and cities, existing drainage channels are either completely absent, poorly designed, or clogged due to neglect and waste disposal practices. As a result, even a moderate downpour can quickly result in waterlogged streets, displaced residents, and in worst-case scenarios, devastating fatalities. This systemic problem reflects decades of underinvestment in essential infrastructure, coupled with rapid urbanization that has outpaced the ability of local and federal governments to provide sustainable development.
Experts are now calling for a nationwide audit of building permits and construction activities, especially in areas historically identified as vulnerable to floods. Many buildings have been erected on water paths, wetlands, and low-lying areas without adequate environmental impact assessments. These practices not only endanger the lives of residents but also exacerbate the flood risks for surrounding communities. By enforcing strict building codes and ensuring that developers comply with zoning regulations, authorities can significantly reduce the vulnerability of these regions.
Moreover, environmental scientists and urban planners are urging the Federal Government to adopt a more forward-looking approach. This includes investing in sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) that are designed to mimic natural water absorption processes and reduce surface runoff. Such systems include permeable pavements, green roofs, retention basins, and rain gardens—all of which help manage rainfall more efficiently and mitigate flooding.
Flood control technologies, such as early warning systems, hydrological modeling, and real-time flood monitoring equipment, are also being recommended for integration into Nigeria’s emergency response framework. These technologies can help communities prepare better and evacuate in time, thereby saving lives and minimizing economic losses.
In conclusion, the persistent flooding crises Nigeria faces today require more than just emergency responses—they demand structural reforms and proactive planning. Without a deliberate and sustained commitment to modernizing the country’s infrastructure, future floods will continue to pose a serious threat to national development, public health, and human lives.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
With the rainy season expected to intensify, NEMA’s warning comes at a critical time. The agency is doubling down on its efforts to spread awareness and encourage preventive action across all levels of society.
“Flooding is not just an environmental issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis in the making if we don’t act early,” Ezekiel concluded. “We’ve seen what happened in Mokwa. Let’s not wait for another tragedy before we take action.”
As communities across Nigeria brace for the rest of the rainy season, NEMA’s campaign serves as both a lifeline and a wake-up call. The agency urges every citizen to heed weather forecasts, evacuate when advised, and engage with local emergency teams to ensure readiness.
While nature may be unpredictable, proactive planning, community education, and government coordination remain the strongest defenses against future disasters.