Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has reported that severe flooding across 10 local government areas in Niger State has resulted in seven fatalities.
Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, NSEMA’s Director General, disclosed these figures and emphasized the agency’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the floods during the 2024 rainy season. He urged residents living near the banks of the River Niger and River Kaduna to relocate and cease activities around these areas to avoid being caught off guard by rising waters.
In response to the flooding, the North-South Power Company has initiated an awareness campaign for communities near the Shiroro hydroelectric power plant. Engineer Olubunmi Peters, Vice Chairman and CEO of North-South Power Company Limited, explained that the annual forum aims to educate residents on the environmental risks of flooding and strategies to reduce damage to lives and property.
Peters highlighted the need for effective measures to prevent flooding and suggested using floodwater to enhance agricultural productivity. He also urged stakeholders to collaborate on long-term solutions and emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes within dam host communities.
Local government Chairmen of Rafi and Munya, Honorable Ayubs Katako and Alhaji Aminu Najume, praised the awareness forum and committed to ensuring their communities are well-prepared for future floods.
