NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG debunks Lagdo dam water release rumour
Environment

FG debunks Lagdo dam water release rumour

77 total views today

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
Politics

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

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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

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FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja
Metro

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja

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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
Environment

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood

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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 
Environment

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

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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
General News

Buhari mourns Niger flood victims, Kano athletes’ death

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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
General News

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger

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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

2025 Flood: NEMA urges disaster risk reduction, proper waste disposal in Niger
Environment

2025 Flood: NEMA urges disaster risk reduction, proper waste disposal in Niger

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By Rita Iliya
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger has embarked on a sensitisation campaign to educate the communities on disaster risk reduction and proper waste disposal.

Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, which covers Niger and Kwara states, led the campaign to Anguwan Daji community in Minna on Wednesday

He said the agency collaborated with NYSC-NEMA Emergency Management Vanguard (EMV), to organise the sensitisation alongside NISEPA, NSEMA, and Ajnu Venture.

“We are here today to sensitise the local community in Minna, particularly Anguwan Daji, on the issue of disaster risk reduction and poor waste disposal,” he said.

Isah said the campaign was a response to the 2025 flood prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency’s annual flood outlook.

He emphasised the importance of mitigation and preparedness, stating that when it happens, there must be response, and response must be prompt and effective.

He disclosed that the sensitisation campaign would continue in Minna metropolis and Kwara state.

Isah noted that poor waste disposal was a major challenge globally, and Nigeria is no exception.

“Most of our cities and towns are littered with sachets, water bottles, tyres, and broken bottles.

“These can clog our environment and existing drainages, causing water to accumulate and leading to trouble,” he said.

Isah called on the Niger state government to establish recycling plants to effectively collect and dispose of solid waste.

Ahmed Abubakar, President of NEMA EMV, said the initiative was part of the group’s community development service, aimed at identifying and addressing pressing needs in the communities they serve.

“We recognised that this community has been dumping refuse indiscriminately, which is hazardous to their health and can cause flooding.

“We decided to come and enlighten them on the dangers of disposing refuse indiscriminately, especially since they have a lot of children who may not be aware of the risks,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Nasir Tanko, Community Head of Anguwan Daji, called for the provision of alternative waste disposal site to deter indiscriminate dumping on waterways.

He suggested that after evacuation, the authorities should utilise the media to sensitise the public about the provision of a new dumping site and the consequences of dumping refuse in the drainage.

Zuwaira Hassan, resident of Anguwan Daji, recalled that the community previously had a vehicle for house-to-house waste collection and waste containers, but these services are no longer available.

She appealed to the state government to take urgent action to address the issue as continuous dumping of refuse in the drainage posed as risk to their lives. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote-led flood c’ttee delivers N1bn relief items to Borno govt.
General News

Dangote-led flood c’ttee delivers N1bn relief items to Borno govt.

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The Aliko Dangote-led Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) has delivered emergency relief materials valued at N1billion to the Government of Borno State for onward distribution to persons affected by the 2024 flood in the State.

During the handover ceremony in Maiduguri, the Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Hajara Modu, said the committee was committed to supporting flood-affected communities.

Representing the co-chairmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, the Secretary said that the distribution of food and non-food items fulfilled the pledge made by the committee at the height of the 2024 flood disaster.

In September, Maiduguri experienced catastrophic flooding that submerged approximately 70% of the city.

This made Borno the most affected region in Nigeria during this year’s flood season.

The flooding displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes, and disrupted essential services, exacerbating the humanitarian challenges already faced in the region.

She said the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had announced the donation of N2billion.


According to her, of the N2 billion donation announced by Dangote, N1 billion is on behalf of the committee for the procurement and supply of relief materials to the flood victims in Borno, and the other N1 billion was donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).

She described Dangote as very passionate about philanthropy, adding that the committee that was set up in 2012 by the former President Goodluck Jonathan had only a year to work, but through the support of Dangote it continued to address the flood disasters in the country.

The Governor of Borno, Prof. Babagana Zulum, commended the Dangote-led Presidential Committee for its interventions in the state.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Umar Kadafur, said the state government had set up a committee to ensure that relief items reach victims of flooding.

He said that Dangote, through the committee and his foundation, has consistently provided support in various forms to address critical needs in Borno.

Zulum commended Dangote for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and for contributing to the state’s recovery efforts, particularly during challenging times.

He acknowledged that Dangote’s interventions have touched many lives and have been instrumental in mitigating the impact of disasters such as the recent floods.

Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mrs Zubaida Umar, commended Dangote for providing the requisite leadership in humanitarian intervention in the country.

Umar, who was represented by the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Abdullahi Usur, said: “Today’s handover of relief materials donated by the PCFRR is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He listed some of the items to include: Beans, Seasoning, Salt, Sugar, Tomato Paste, Vegetable oil, Foam Mattress, Guinea Brocade, Wax Print, Blankets, Mosquito Nets, Nylon Mat, Bathing Soap, Detergent, Children Diapers and Sanitary Pads.

Borno State’s Commissioner for Women and Social Development Zuwaira Gambo thanked the Dangote-led committee for what she described as a huge humanitarian intervention.

NEMA’s Coordinator for Northeast Zonal Office Mr Sirajo Garba said the agency, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has perfected a transparent modality for the distribution of the relief items from the Dangote-led Committee.(NAN)

PR:

FCT reopens barricaded slip road, begins dry season sensitisation
Metro

FCT reopens barricaded slip road, begins dry season sensitisation

653 total views today

By Philip Yatai

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

The acting Director-General of the Department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that the slip road was barricaded on June 25 to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.

Mohammed stated that the road was reopened to ease traffic flow, as the rainy season had ended.

“The onset of the rain in Abuja is usually in the month of May and the slip road is usually flooded every raining season, hence the need to barricade the road.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost in this area since 2020 because we made it a tradition to block the road during the rainy season,” he said.

He commended residents and stakeholders for their understanding and support throughout the rainy season.

The acting D-G also announced the commencement of the 2024 dry season sensitisation campaign against incessant fire outbreaks in the FCT.

Mohammed advised residents to be cautious while handling cooking gas, petroleum products, electrical appliances, and other inflatable items or chemicals.

He urged residents to keep cooking gas outside their kitchens and avoid storing petrol or inflammable chemicals in cars and in their homes.

He also advised residents to make sure they have fire extinguisher in their cars, homes and offices to control fire during outbreak.

He further urged residents to be careful when burning bushes, adding that anyone who wishes to do so, for whatever reason, should monitor it to prevent spreading to unintended areas.

Mr Richard Dauda, Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the slip road was part of old road infrastructure in the area.

Dauda explained that the road would be reconstructed and elevated to solve the problem permanently.

He explained that once the ongoing construction of Galadimawa Interchange was completed, a bridge would be constructed to replace the temporary culvert contributing to flooding of the road.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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