News Agency of Nigeria
Flood: 545 households displaced in Kaduna

Flood: 545 households displaced in Kaduna

By Ezra Musa

No fewer than 545 households have been displaced after two days of torrential rainfall,  with 171 houses also  damaged across communities in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Usman Mazadu, Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) made this known in a statement in Kaduna on Tuesday.

Mazadu said the agency led a joint assessment of the affected areas to determine the scale of destruction and coordinate emergency response.

He explained that the rain, which fell between Sept. 4 and Sept. 5, forced responders to move from evaluation to urgent evacuation in some communities, as floodwaters submerged homes and property.

According to him, the multi-agency team included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Christian Aid, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) the Nigeria Red Cross, and the Kaduna State Fire and Public Safety Agency.

He said Kigo Road Community was the worst-hit, where 69 buildings and 276 households were flooded, adding that a private nursery and primary school, Merits Kids Academic School, was also affected.

Mazadu added that in Rifin Guza, an overflowing river submerged several buildings, while other communities impacted included Shooting Range, Kabala Costain; Bashama Road, Tudun Wada; Ungwan Rimi, where a connecting bridge to Libreville Road was washed over; and Malali G.R.A.

He stressed that the assessment was crucial in guiding government intervention.

“We are documenting every affected household to ensure relief reaches those who need it most. Our priority is to provide temporary shelter, food and medical support for displaced residents,” he said.

He further noted that KADSEMA is working closely with partners to sustain ongoing relief efforts.

“Beyond immediate response, we are developing a recovery plan to help affected communities rebuild and reduce future risks,” he said.

Mazadu also confirmed that the assessment team visited a displacement camp at Girls Primary School, Kigo, where the agency assured residents of government’s continued support until normalcy is restored.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

China donates m to support Nigeria’s flood victims

China donates $1m to support Nigeria’s flood victims

By Sarafina Christopher/ Nana Musa

 

China has donated one million dollars to Nigeria in support of people affected by the recent devastating floods across the country.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the support was provided at a ceremony for the signing of exchange of notes with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to formalise the cash assistance grant in Abuja on Wednesday.

 

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai, expressed China’s solidarity with Nigeria “during this difficult time”, noting that both countries have recently faced natural disasters.

 

“We would like to express our deep condolences for the people who lost their lives and also express our support.

 

“Actually, almost at the same time, China is also suffering from floods. In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” he said.

 

He stressed that the assistance testifies to China’s confidence in Nigeria’s resilience, saying: “We are very confident that under the strong leadership of the Federal Government, and with the quality and efforts of all the people, Nigeria will overcome this difficulty and rebuild their homes in the near future.”

 

Yu further highlighted the broader direction of China-Nigeria relations, describing the ties as grounded in mutual respect and equality.

 

He acknowledged the robust progress recorded between the two countries in the areas of trade, investment, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people exchange.

 

“As ambassador, I am happy that our comprehensive strategic partnership has been developing on a fast track.

 

“Just two months ago, President Xi Jinping announced zero-tariff treatment on 400 per cent of tariff lines for African countries with diplomatic ties to China, including Nigeria.

 

“This will boost Nigeria’s exports to China, create more jobs, and support economic development,” he said.

 

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, stated that the assistance was particularly timely as it is targeted at communities in states most affected by recent floods.

 

He said that the intervention would go a long way towards complementing government’s ongoing efforts at providing relief materials and rebuilding the livelihoods of people in severely impacted areas.

 

“I wish to emphasise that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), will coordinate the effective implementation of this project.

 

“A transparent framework, leveraging past experiences and unified templates, will guide the process to ensure that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries in the most efficient and impactful manner.

 

“Furthermore, the government fully welcomes the joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism agreed with the Embassy of China.

 

“This will ensure transparency and accountability, promote learning, and strengthen our partnership in humanitarian and development cooperation,” Bagudu said.

 

The minister said the humanitarian support was not only a demonstration of China’s goodwill, but also a testimony of the growing cooperation between the two nations in areas such as trade, infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and now, disaster relief.

 

“It is our firm belief that today’s signing ceremony will open new windows of collaboration that will deepen our strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our people.

 

” I assure you that the government remains committed to working closely with the embassy of China to guarantee the successful implementation of this project.

 

“We look forward to further consolidating our friendship through initiatives that promote prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development.

 

“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I wish to convey our profound appreciation to the Government of China for this act of friendship and solidarity.

 

“This gesture is a reflection of the long-standing bilateral relations between our two dear countries, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)*

Mokwa flood victims allege exclusion from N1bn relief package

Mokwa flood victims allege exclusion from N1bn relief package

By Rita Iliya

Some victims of the recent flood in Mokwa, Niger, have alleged exclusion from the N1 billion state government compensation.

 

The victims makes the allegations in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Mokwa on Saturday.

 

NAN recalls that Gov. Umaru Bago had in June approved N1 billion to support victims of the Mokwa flood, saying 458 affected households will receive N1 million each and 25 bags of grains including 10 bags of rice, 5 bags of maize, 5 bags of sorghum and 5 bags of millet.

 

Bago said the next of kins of the 209 deceased victims would receive N1 million while 280 house and shop owners would receive N500,000 for reconstruction.

 

However, after the distribution of the relief, some victims of the disaster alleged irregularities in the distribution process, saying not all affected persons received the compensation.

 

Farida Abubakar, a victim, said she lost her mother, who was the breadwinner of their family, during the flood.

 

She alleged she was told by the Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee that she do not have a husband as such would not benefit.

 

“When they were writing names of people who lost their loved ones, I went for my name to be captured, I was told I don’t have a husband, so I was not qualified to benefit.

 

“I have three other younger siblings, we have been feeding from hands to mouth, we have been sleeping in Tiffin-Maza primary school because I don’t have money to rent house for us to live,” she said.

 

Another victim, Yusuf Isah, a 74-year-old, said he constructed a hut to live with his wife and eight children after they lost their rented apartment to the flood.

 

“When the flood came, it washed away all our belongings, the landlord of the house collected N1 million for the household and N500,000 for the house owner, but refused to share the money with me.

 

“The landlord only gave me three bags of grains out of the 25 bags given to her,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Hussaina Zakari, another victim, said she lost all her belongings to the flood while she was away for the burial of her father.

 

“I lost my father before the flood, I was away for his burial when I was called that flood had washed away my property, after I returned, the only support I got was grains.

 

“I never benefited from any cash assistance, I have been living in an IDP camp with my three children and younger ones.

 

“NGOs have been of great assistance to us providing us with food and other essential items,” she said.

 

Another victim, Farida Isiaku, said she lost her six children, co-wife and her three children also including her husband during the flood, saying she survived the disaster with the help of neighbours and was taken to the hospital in Bida.

 

She confirmed receiving N12 million compensation from the state government, saying she used part of the money to rent a house and share the rest among her husband’s family and co-wife’s family.

 

Alhaji Tanko Bala, Sarkin Hausawa in Mokwa, said the most affected people in the flood were Hausa people and commended the efforts of the state government for supporting victims with relief materials and cash.

 

He confirmed that some affected victims were yet to be compensated, alleging that there were mistakes in the compensation process.

 

“Some households that were supposed to benefit N1 million got N1. 5 million instead and house owners that were supposed to get N500,000 got N1.5 million.”

 

Also speaking, Dauda Liman, Chairman of Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee and Secretary of the Council, said the relief distribution was done in three batches.

 

He said that the victims who were yet to be compensated were those who left to other communities after the flood due to trauma, but later returned when they heard of the relief distribution.

 

He called on the state government to deliver the remaining 20 trucks of grains out of the 50 truck promised by the governor for onward distribution to the remaining victims.

 

Responding, Alhaji Salihu Garba, Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the agency synergised with community-based organisation to identify victims and distribute the relief materials.

 

“We relied on the information and data generated by them because our search and rescue operations were carried out jointly with them.

 

“We are aware that some victims were not captured, and that’s why we opened a complaint desk,” he said.

 

He noted that due to the magnitude and destructive nature of the disaster, it was not possible to capture every victim at the same time.

 

According to him, some were around when the capturing was ongoing but they were too traumatised to come forward, while others left the vicinity to other communities while the assessment was done.

 

Garba said the agency was aware of the challenges and would address it, saying a report on the intervention would be done to the governor with recommendations.

 

The director said 30 trucks of relief materials have already been delivered and the agency has successfully completed the assignment of distributing cash to order forms of assistance to households, victims of death and those whose houses were destroyed.

 

He commended the efforts of the Mokwa Youth Forum, Ja’maatul Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ndalile of Mokwa and the Sarkin Hausawa for their assistance in identifying victims.

 

NAN reports that the Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee includes Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, NSEMA, Mokwa local government. (NAN). (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG debunks Lagdo dam water release rumour

FG debunks Lagdo dam water release rumour

By Akpan Glory

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation says no water has been released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, contrary to reports circulating in the media.

The Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said this in a statement, following his communication with the Lagdo Dam Manager, Ahmad Bivoung.

Utsev said the dam was currently at a low level of 2.06 metres and that no discharge had taken place.

He said the ministry was in constant contact with Cameroonian authorities and would promptly inform Nigerians of any official release.

“The public is advised to disregard false reports and remain calm, while continuing to observe flood preparedness and safety measures earlier issued, “the statement read.

He urged communities receiving early warning alerts, especially those in Lokoja (Kogi), Wurobokki (Adamawa) and Makurdi (Benue), to remain vigilant and consult the NIHSA Flood Dashboard for reliable updates.

The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to flood management and water infrastructure development along the Benue Trough.

He said this included proactive reservoir operations of existing dams on Benue tributaries to prevent panic releases.

He added that the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba was being used for flood control, while work on the upgrade of the Wannune Dam and the design of the Dura Dam in Benue had reached advanced stages.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Utsev had earlier announced plans to construct the Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa to serve as a buffer against flooding from water releases by Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam.

He made this known at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, stating that the government was undertaking the study and design of the dam as part of broader efforts to safeguard Nigerians from recurring flood threats.

According to him, the ministry has engaged the expertise of a transaction adviser for its construction under a Public-Private Partnership agreement. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Reps urge FG to take proactive measures against flood, other disasters

Reps urge FG to take proactive measures against flood, other disasters

Flood

By EricJames Ochigbo

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to improve flood and other disaster control infrastructure to avert a reoccurrence of flooding in the country.

The house made the call after a unanimous adoption of a motion making case for victims of flood in Niger and Kwara by Reps. Joshua Gana and Saba Umaru at plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion, Gana recalled that in late May, Niger and Kwara experienced devastating floods which affected Mokwa town and farmlands in some parts of Kwara.

Gana noted that the floodwaters swept away entire neighborhoods, destroyed critical infrastructure and displayed thousands of residents.

He said that the disaster resulted in more than 500 confirmed deaths, with more than 600 people still missing and presumed dead, with no fewer than 200 others injured and over 4,000 houses destroyed.

The lawmaker said that the flooding was triggered by torrential rain that began on May 28 and continued into the early hours of May 29.

“The collapse of a nearby embankment of the old rail lines exacerbated the situation, leading to inundation of Mokwa’s commercial districts, including Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa.

“The floodwaters often carry contaminants, such as fecal matter, debris and pollutants, leading to spread of waterborne diseases.

“There is a heightened risk of outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever and acute watery diarrhea in the affected areas.

“The destruction of farmlands and food supply chains has led to food insecurity among flood victims; children, nursing mothers and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition which can weaken their immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.

“The overcrowded conditions in IDP camps, coupled with inadequate sanitation facilities, increase the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as measles and respiratory infection,” he said.

The house urged National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials, including water purification equipment to prevent disease outbreak in the affected communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the flood incident.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, mandated the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of the resolutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

—-

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has barricaded the slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange, Abuja.

The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, said during the exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the move was to prevent vehicular movement due to recurrent flooding on the road.

Mohammed explained that the road was usually flooded every rainy season, adding that the water level on the slip road was already building up.

According to him, barricading the road is part of being proactive to ensure that no life is lost to flooding on the road, thereby saving lives and property.

“Recalled that heavy floods on the slip road in 2019 claimed the life of Director of Finance of the FCT High Court, Mr Tony Okecheme.

“We decided to close the slip road to vehicular movement today due to the rising water level, posing a serious danger to motorists.”

He appealed to residents of the FCT for their understanding, and urged motorists to seek alternative routes.

He further appealed to residents against driving through a pool of water but wait for it to recede, calling on residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood

By Abigael Joshua

The Federal Government has adopted a National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) aimed at addressing the growing threat of flood-related disasters across the country.

The initiative was announced on Thursday in Abuja during the Technical Committee Meeting (TCM) on the Development of the National Flood Insurance Policy and Implementation Framework.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Mahmud Kambari, said the policy would reduce the financial burden on both federal and state governments currently allocated to emergency relief and post-disaster reconstruction.

Kambari, who was represented by Mr Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director in the Department of Flood Erosion Control and Coastal Management, said the NFIP is a proactive response to the increasing frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria.

“The time has come to shift from reactive responses to proactive and sustainable flood risk management.

“The establishment of a National Flood Insurance Programme as outlined in Section Four of the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (NEFCOP) is central to this strategy,” he said.

He added that the NFIP would serve as a financial safety net for individuals, businesses, and communities, enabling swift recovery from flood-induced losses and ensuring long-term resilience.

The technical committee, he noted, would define clear timelines, assign responsibilities, and develop monitoring mechanisms to ensure the policy’s effective implementation.

Also speaking, Mrs Rukayat El Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, stressed the need to prioritise flood insurance to secure a more resilient future for Nigerians.

El Rufai, represented by Mrs Inna Audu, Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, noted that many communities along the River Benue, River Niger, and their tributaries are primarily agrarian and suffer devastating losses due to seasonal flooding.

“When you talk about insurance, it is not something to be done after disaster strikes. It is a preparedness mechanism, an anticipated action. Contributions must be made in advance to create a fund for emergencies,” she said.

She lamented the enormous economic and human toll of recurring floods in Nigeria, adding: “We can only estimate the trillions of naira lost to flooding in recent years, losses to farms, properties, and lives.

“While lives cannot be quantified in naira, we can protect the most vulnerable from financial ruin”.

El Rufai observed that current insurance policies often bundle flood coverage under general packages, which fail to adequately address specific flood risks.

She advocated for standalone flood insurance policies, which she said offer clearer and more comprehensive protection, promote better risk management, and support disaster recovery efforts.

Earlier, Mr Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion and Coastal Zone Management Department, said the national framework would guide the implementation of a robust and inclusive flood insurance system.

Bokani, represented by Mr Abdullahi Atta, Assistant Director, Coastal Zone Management, said the policy aims to protect vulnerable populations, support rapid post-flood recovery, and enhance national resilience.

“We will explore models for financing, risk pooling, regulatory alignment, and delivery mechanisms at the community level,” he said.

(NAN)www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 

 

By Philip Yatai

Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) has stressed the urgent need for intensive orientation in disaster prevention, readiness and mitigation at national and local level.

The society’s President and Chairman of Governing Board, Dr Abbas Idriss, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

RIMSON’s call followed May 27 downpouri in Mokwa, that led to flooding the following morning, claiming 160 lives so far, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

Idris attributed the incident to heavy rainfall, poor drainage system, deforestation and land use changes, soil erosion, river overflow and climate change.

Condoling the Nigeria Government, people of the state and the victims, the president advocated strengthening of the state’s early warning system, reforestation programme, community education and land use planning.

He also recommended development of emergency response plans, and strengthened partnership with non-governmental organisations.

These, according to him, will help in strengthening the state preparedness, mitigation and drastically reduce the risk of flooding and improve recovery efforts.

He said the recommendations would also help Niger government to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of future flooding in the state.

At the national level, Idris recommended the creation of the Office of Risk Management of the Federation to coordinate and monitor risk management efforts across the country as a national security issue.

“There is also the urgent need to ensure disaster management agencies at the national, state and local government levels are manned by qualified risk management professionals.

“There is equally the need to upskill and equip all existing disaster management personnels for greater efficiency.

“The federal government also needs to evaluate existing early warning systems, evacuation plans and structural readiness, and review town planning and ensure strict enforcement of violations.

“There is also the urgent need for incorporation of disaster awareness and education into the national educational curriculum and the National Youth Service Corps scheme,” he said.

The president of the society also called for an upward review of budgetary allocations towards disaster prevention and providing relief to survivors.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations would  enhance existing disaster management efforts and proactively reduce the avoidable tragic human and economic losses.

He commended the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, especially NiMet in providing regular weather forecasts.

He reiterated RIMSON’s  commitment to sustained advocacy in promoting risk management awareness and education till it becomes a national culture that results in a more resilient, safe and prosperous nation. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Buhari mourns Niger flood victims, Kano athletes’ death

Buhari mourns Niger flood victims, Kano athletes’ death

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the victims of the Niger flood and the Kano athletes that died in an auto accident.

 

This followed the death of more than one hundred persons in flash floods that destroyed homes and displaced thousands of residents last week in Niger.

 

The death was also recorded of 22 young athletes, coaches, and officials in a ghastly auto crash in Kano state after the Ogun games in Abeokuta.

 

Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, sympathised with the bereaved families, governments and the people of Niger and Kano states over the incident.

 

The former president said that the tragic incidents, happening in a quick sequence had left him shocked and devastated as it did many people in different parts of the world.

 

“I am deeply pained  by the loss of lives due to the floods in Niger state and the road accident in Kano state.

 

‘’The deaths are painful and devastating. Condolences to the families and friends of all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger

By Rita Iliya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger, had engaged stakeholders on preparedness and mitigation strategies towards alleviating the impact of anticipated floods in the state.

 

Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on National disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2025 in Minna on Thursday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the engagement is: “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response”.

 

Umar, represented by Dr Ishaya Chonoko, Zonal Director in Charge of North West Zone of NEMA, said that the engagement was to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, and response to flood disasters across the country.

 

She said NEMA had received insights into rainfall patterns and flood scenarios for 2025 from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

 

“NEMA will deploy teams to all states to engage with flood-prone communities, taking early warning messages to the grassroots.

 

“This will be done with the support of state Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers,” she said.

 

The director-general called on partners such as the traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups and the media, to support the initiative, saying disaster management was everyone’s business.

 

According to her, all hands must be on deck to take the right early warning to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in various communities.

 

“There is a need to step up our games on what we can do differently from the past and come up with solutions and prepare for quick response.” she added.

 

Also speaking, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, Overseeing Director-General, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said the meeting would proffer solutions to flooding, preparedness, and response from expected flooding to save lives and property and minimise flooding.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Yumu, Commissioner, Ministry for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, said the campaign would help reduce impacts of annually recurring floods in the state.

 

NAN reports that in attendance were Mr Hussaini Isah, Head, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Akapo Adeboye, traditional leaders and stakeholders from the police, army amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

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