The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) issued an urgent warning on Friday, August 22, 2025, urging residents along the River Niger in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states to evacuate immediately to safer, higher ground due to rising water levels triggered by heavy inflows from the Republic of Benin. NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, announced that the agency has activated its flood preparedness protocols, directing regional and zonal offices to intensify public awareness and mobilization campaigns in at-risk communities. The warning emphasizes the heightened flood risk in these states due to their proximity to Benin and their location along the River Niger, with Umar stressing the need for swift action to protect lives and livelihoods.
NEMA’s directive follows alerts of upstream water level increases, prompting Umar to call on state governments to support their respective State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in implementing contingency plans to mitigate potential flooding impacts. “It’s critical that we coordinate our efforts and respond swiftly,” Umar said, as quoted by Leadership News, reaffirming NEMA’s commitment to a robust national flood response strategy amid growing climate risks. NEMA continues to monitor the situation, working with national and regional partners to minimize risks.
