Kogi and Delta states have opened their camps for Internally Displaced Persons in response to a warning from the Federal Government about the potential increase in water levels in the River Niger.
The National Economic Council has approved N3bn to support farmers in Kebbi and other states affected by flooding.
This warning was issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on August 22, 2024, following a report from the Niger Basin Authority in Niamey, Niger Republic.
The agency advised states and communities along the River Niger bank to be on high alert as the floodwaters are expected to peak in late August and September.
The NIHSA, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is monitoring the situation and will provide updates to the public accordingly.
He stated, “We just alerted all the states along the contour of (River) Niger, which are Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Anambra, Imo, down to Delta states. Every community along those routes has been alerted. If there is anybody along the floodplain, it is better to vacate the floodplain. The Ministry of Environment had previously sent out a letter to the states, alerting all the states before the flooding started.
“Every year, a committee should be set up to make sure that every community on any floodplain should vacate the floodplain, and the drainages in the cities, anywhere, should be filtered. So, letters were sent out to the state governments.”
The spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, Manzo Ezekiel, stated that the agency was monitoring the water levels in Benue and Niger rivers.
“We have been on alert, monitoring the water levels along Benue and Niger rivers,” he said.
The Head of Public Relations at Ogun/Osun River Basin Authority, Mr. Adeniyi Saliu, confirmed that the Oyan Dam started gradually releasing water in February, a process that is still ongoing.
He stated that the public was notified in March and warned residents along the riverbank to take necessary precautions.
“The gradual release of water from the dam has been on since February and it’s still ongoing to create space for excess water from upstream. We have already issued a statement in March asking residents along the river bank to take precautionary measures.
“The authority also held a press conference along with the Ogun State Government where we also emphasised the various measures being taken by the organisation to ensure safety downstream of the dam. We also intend to make more statements available as soon as we have new reports from relevant bodies,” he added.
In anticipation of potential flooding, the Anambra State Government has warned residents of riverine communities to exercise caution.
The state’s Information Commissioner, Paul Nwosu, specifically advised residents in seven local government areas – Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Ihiala, and Ogbaru – to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
He stated, “The Anambra State Government hereby alerts Ndi Anambra to the rising water levels of the River Niger. Flood-prone local government areas such as Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, Ihiala and Ogbaru are advised to be on the alert.
“According to a statement by the Director General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Mr Umar Mohammed, on Friday, floodwaters from countries in the River Niger system are gradually moving towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi State.
“The development is attributed to upstream activities in Niger Republic and Mali. The risk of flooding is, however, expected to peak by the end of August and into September. Anambra communities along the River Niger system are, therefore, advised to remain vigilant.”
Speaking on the flooding alert, the Deputy Publicity Secretary, Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Afam Ogana, noted, “We are aware of the imminent flooding that may occur soon due to rising water level on the River Niger as a result of upstream activities in Niger Republic and Mali.
“As a result of this, the flood-prone communities have been advised to be on the alert, watchful and also ensure that their properties are secured to avoid destruction. The internally displaced persons camps might be opened in some locations to cater for some people who might be in distress.
“The agency is managing the situation; every blockage on the drainage channels has been cleared. Farmers have been advised to harvest some of their crops that are due for harvest and keep them in a safer place. Families with little children have been placed on the alert to avoid any loss of lives and property.”
In Kogi State, a region bordering the River Niger, measures are being taken to safeguard lives and property.
Alhaji Muktar Atimah, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, revealed that Governor Usman Ododo has instructed the agency to closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates on any changes in water levels, ensuring the governor is well-informed.
“As of today (Sunday), the water level is 6.5 and we are monitoring it. Once it gets to 8 inches, we will start to evacuate those still in the low land to higher grounds. Already, all our 42 Internally Displaced Persons camps have been activated and fully functional to receive would-be displaced persons,” Atimah told one of our correspondents in a telephone interview.
In Asaba, Commissioner for Environment Jamani Ejero said, “We’re visiting affected areas, urging residents to move to higher ground and clearing waterways to manage flood volumes.
Although IDP camps are ready, the predicted flooding hasn’t occurred yet.”
Additionally, the Delta State Government has established a 16-member Flood Management Committee, announced Commissioner for Information Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza in a statement on Sunday.
The committee, led by Secretary to the Delta State Government Dr. Kingsley Emu, is already taking action.
“identified and prepared upland locations that can be used as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps for persons who may eventually become displaced or dislocated, if the need arises.”
The statement read in part, “Sensitisation and stakeholders meetings have also been held to prepare for any unforeseen incidents by NEMA and SEMA. Appropriate enlightenment jingles are running and are being aired in all media outlets and establishments across the state on flood alert.
“Continuous visits to the likely areas to monitor the level of flood are also being carried out. Daily/weekly predictions of rainfall and its likely effect as reported by the relevant agencies are adequately being circulated across the nooks and crannies of the state.
“On mitigation, the Ministry of Environment, the Waste Management Board and other stakeholders, have been directed accordingly and working tirelessly to clear and open up blocked drains and waterways to allow for free flow of rain water to the coastal lines where the state storm water projects are directed to.”
The Kwara State Government has launched a widespread public awareness campaign to educate residents, particularly in areas susceptible to flooding, including Patigi, Edu, Moro, Kaiama, and Ilorin East Local Government Areas, on the risks and precautions associated with flooding.
