TheNewsGuru

Tag: NEMA

  • 1.2 million Nigerians displaced by floods in 2024 – NEMA

    1.2 million Nigerians displaced by floods in 2024 – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that 1,243,638 Nigerians were displaced by floods in 2024, with 1,237 lives lost.

    The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said this at a stakeholders engagement on national disaster preparedness and response campaign 2025, held in Owerri on Tuesday.

    Umar, represented by NEMA’s Head of Partnership and Collaboration, Mr Evan Niko, said that the floods which affected a total of 5,264,097 persons, also affected 1,439,296 farmlands and left 16,469 persons injured.

    Speaking on the theme: “ Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response”, Umar called for more attention to the grassroots to save lives and build communal resilience across Nigeria.

    She said that NEMA had developed climate-related risk implications, preparedness, mitigation and response actions to reduce the would-be impacts of the 2025 floods, based on the predictions by Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

    “We have embarked on various activities aimed at preventing and mitigating the expected impacts of the disaster with a view to reminding stakeholders about their responsibilities in flood disaster management.

    “Today’s downscaling exercise of the 2025 seasonal climate prediction is further aimed at acquainting major emergency management stakeholders about the predictions and what is expected of them, to mitigate the expected impacts of the disaster,” he said.

    Speaking, a Principal Relief Officer with NEMA, Mr Michael Ajide, described Imo as “one of the high risk states of flooding”, with Oguta and Ohaji-Egbema LGAs topping the charts.

    He urged governments at all levels to invest in drainage and dam infrastructure to encourage flood resilient planning in riverine zones.

    Also speaking, NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo, Mr Nnamdi Igwe, called for remote sensing for flood mapping, rehabilitation of local drainages and strengthening of community liaison desks to ease communication and avert disasters.

    Mr Ekene Ahaneku, a Healthcare Officer with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, called for more collaborations with state emergency management agencies to decentralise relief efforts and achieve optimal outcomes.

    The Deputy Chairman, Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Fred Nwachukwu, however, expressed readiness to effectively implement strategies for better governance outcomes at the grassroots level.

  • Flood scare: Residents of Rivers, Bayelsa told to relocate

    Flood scare: Residents of Rivers, Bayelsa told to relocate

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged residents of Rivers and Bayelsa to relocate to higher ground over impending flooding in both states.

    Mr Eric Ebhodaghe, South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, made the remark during a news conference held on Friday in Port Harcourt.

    Recall that the Nigerian Metrological Institute (NIMET) recently forecasted flooding in 30 States across the country.

    Ebhodaghe highlighted that coastal States such as Bayelsa and Rivers were likely to experience significant flooding during the current rainy season.

    He noted that NEMA had already begun preparing communities to mitigate the anticipated impact of the flood, particularly as rainfall intensified in the affected states.

    “We are working to reduce the impact on the people by sensitising them, with the aim of minimising economic losses and protecting lives,” he stated.

    Following NIMET’s flood prediction, Ebhodaghe said NEMA initiated consultations with federal, state, and local governments to coordinate mitigation efforts.

    “In Rivers State, we have identified communities within various local government areas that are at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

    “We have been visiting these flood-prone communities to raise awareness and educate residents, ensuring that they take precautionary measures to avoid major losses.

    “Although we cannot prevent the flooding, we can manage it, and encourage relocation to safe grounds within communities and to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps,” he added.

    The zonal coordinator stressed that prevention was critical in disaster management, particularly in the context of flooding.

    He reported that an IDP camp had been established in each of the 15 local government areas identified as being highly vulnerable to flooding.

    “We have also engaged with Community Development Committees, youth leaders, traditional rulers, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to prepare for the flooding.

    “The engagements are centred on improving local capacity to prevent and manage flooding through measures such as proper waste management systems,” he noted.

    Ebhodaghe urged residents to ensure that drainage systems were regularly cleared to allow the free flow of rainwater into natural channels.

    “When the water channels are blocked, the water will inevitably find alternative routes; therefore, if we adhere to responsible waste disposal and drainage maintenance, we will enhance our flood mitigation efforts,” he concluded.

  • NEMA charges states with first responder duties in disasters

    NEMA charges states with first responder duties in disasters

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has tasked state and local governments with taking a more proactive role in disaster response. Director-General Zubaida Umar, speaking at the opening of the Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) in Abuja, highlighted the importance of local leadership during emergencies.

    The forum, held on Tuesday, is designed to improve coordination and preparedness for potential disasters, with a specific focus on the challenges outlined in the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

    To improve disaster response, federal, state, and local governments met at the Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) to strategize for 2025.

    NEMA’s Zubaida Umar emphasized the need for early planning, SEMA collaboration, and utilizing climate predictions, highlighting ongoing grassroots advocacy for relocation in flood-prone areas.

    She reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to proactive flood management in Nigeria and commended stakeholders for their dedication to effective and efficient disaster response.

    “NEMA has also embraced technological advancements, such as satellite monitoring and predictive analytics, to enhance early warning systems and disaster response coordination.

    “The agency’s multi-stakeholder approach aims to build resilience and minimise the devastating impacts of floods across Nigeria,” she said.

    The Director-General emphasized the imperative for inter-agency collaboration in addressing the escalating complexities of disaster management.

    She further outlined NEMA’s strategic focus on the analysis of climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, water resources, and health, for the purpose of developing advanced early warning systems and mitigation strategies.

    Mrs Winnie Lai-Solarin, a Director, Animal Husbandry, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, called for collaborative climate strategies to boost the livestock sector.

    Lai-Solarin said that addressing climate change impact on Nigeria’s livestock sector was crucial.

    She stressed the need for actionable strategies that livestock farmers could implement to mitigate challenges and leverage opportunities presented by climate change.

    “It’s heartwarming to see so many stakeholders gathered here today.

    “It means we’ll pool ideas and expertise to tackle these pressing issues.

    “This platform allows us to take practical solutions back to our states and farmers, ensuring long-term benefits for the sector,” she added.

    Recognizing the need for collaboration, Lai-Solarin thanked NEMA for the workshop and pledged her ministry’s commitment to implementing its outcomes for sustainable livestock development.

    She emphasized that collective action is vital for sustainable agriculture in the face of global climate challenges.

    Protecting lives and livelihoods from increasing climate hazards requires urgent strategic disaster preparedness, according to Onimode Bandele, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting.

    He explained that the workshop centers on proactive measures like risk assessment, resource mobilization, and community resilience-building.

    Bandele also expressed appreciation for stakeholders’ support and highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of disaster management.

    “The outcomes of this workshop aim to inform national preparedness plans and ensure a unified approach to disaster risk reduction across Nigeria,” he said.

  • Dry season: NEMA warns Nigerians on fire incidents

    Dry season: NEMA warns Nigerians on fire incidents

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned Nigerians to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent fire incidents, particularly during the dry season.

    The NEMA Territorial Coordinator in Kano, Dr Nura Abdullahi, gave the warning while speaking at a public awareness campaign against fire outbreak prevention in Kano on Thursday.

    Abdullahi cautioned that fire incidents posed a serious threat to lives, property, and livelihoods, particularly during dry season when the risks were on the rise.

    The awareness is with the theme: “Fire Prevention and Tanker Accident Response.”

    He urged residents to be careful in handling inflammable to avoid fire outbreaks, especially in various accidents involving heavy duty vehicles during dry weather conditions.
    “Over the years, frequency and severity of fire outbreaks, tanker-related accidents have become increasingly worrisome.

    “These incidents not only disrupt economic and social activities, but also cause devastating losses that are often avoidable through proper preparedness and sensitisation.

    “It is our responsibility to prioritise, strengthen response capabilities to mitigate risks.

    “We will collaborate with stakeholders and volunteers, such as Grassroots Emergency Management Volunteers (GEMV) to build resilient society that is better prepared to handle disasters,” he said.

    He added that delays or inaction in emergency situations often worsened outcomes, hence urging corps members to enlighten community at the grassroots with Kano State model of preparedness and safety.

    Also, Umar Abdullahi, Safety and Environmental Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Depot, Hotoro, described the training as timely, particularly to prevent accident, loss of lives and properties.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NEMA carried the sensitisation to the NNPC Depot, Hotoro, to enlighten truck drivers on measures to prevent fire disaster.

    The training was attended by the Executive Secretary, Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Kubarachi and representatives from Federal and State Fire Services.

    Others are, Nigeria Red Cross, the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), among other stakeholders.

    Papers were however, presented by the State Controller, Federal Fire Service, Mr Kazeem Sholadoye titled: “The role of stakeholders in management of tanker accident and fire outbreaks” and the Nigeria Red Cross Executive Secretary, Musa Abdullahi titled: “Management of burns and volunteerism”.

  • NEMA confirms 1 dead in Ondo flood

    NEMA confirms 1 dead in Ondo flood

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of one person in the Friday’s flood incident in Ondo town, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, stated this on Tuesday while assessing the level of damage in the ancient city.

    NAN reports that torrential rainfall in Ondo town on Friday led to flash flood, with houses and vehicles submerged.

    “This is a big one; we have seen it and this is telling us that we need to do much more in terms of clearing waterways and also avoiding building on the waterways.

    “We have seen it and we have done rapid assessment and we will see how we can collaborate with other agencies to see how we can assist further.

    “It is very unfortunate that we lost one person. My advice is that people of Ondo should clear their waterways and support the government,” she said.

    Umar said that it was worrisome that despite earlier forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), there could still be victims of flooding.

    According to her, there is need to clear waterways and stop hindering free movement of water.

    The NEMA DG added that the flood situation was expected to persist until the end of November, asking state and local governments to allocate resources and provide support to communities.

    She promised that NEMA would provide necessary assistance and would continue to collaborate with the state government and other stakeholders in restoring normalcy and ensure that people recover from the devastating incident.

    The DG earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Gov. Olayide Adelami and Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.

  • NEMA confirms 1 dead, two missing in Ibadan flood

    NEMA confirms 1 dead, two missing in Ibadan flood

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of one and two missing persons in a Tuesday evening flood incident around the Joyce-B/Mobil area of Ibadan.

    The NEMA South-West Coordinator, Mr Kadir Olanrewaju, disclosed this to NAN in Ibadan on Wednesday while assessing the level of damage at the scene.

    According to reports. a heavy downpour on Tuesday across some areas within the Ibadan metropolis affected some residential areas, leaving inestimable property destroyed.

    Olanrewaju attributed the flooding to improper channelisation of drainage in the area, saying the volume of water in the area was too much for the available drainages.

    He said the flood reached the gate level, adding that the area was a flash flood plane, which might result in heavy disaster if not addressed at the right time.

    “People need to move away from this place because if we have another rain, the flood will be devastating; you can see that the lower parts of most of the buildings and the fences are weak,” he said.

    One of the residents of the area, Mr Solomon Agboro, said the flood covered the ground floor of his building, forcing his family members to run upstairs for safety.

    Agboro, who said the flood destroyed all the property on the ground floor, called on the government to come to their aid in creating proper channelisation in the area.

    Another resident, Mrs Oni Bishola, said she had been living in the area for the last four years and had been experiencing flooding every year.

    Bishola however, said that Tuesday’s flooding was the heaviest in the area since she moved in.

    She added that most household items like gas cookers, televisions, compressors, machines and mattresses, among others, were destroyed.

    She called on the management of the Ibadan South-West Local Government and Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to come to their aid in providing a proper water channelisation.

    NAN also observed that the fence of a building under construction beside Calvary Heritage School, Felele area of Ibadan, was brought down due to the flooding.

    At the Idi-Odo junction, the front of FCMB was flooded due to lack of proper drainages, thus disrupting the free flow of vehicles.

    Some roads in the adjoining streets at Ring Road area were also badly affected due to the heavy downpour.

  • Donations to Maiduguri flood victims surpasses N14 billion in seven days

    Donations to Maiduguri flood victims surpasses N14 billion in seven days

    The federal government, several organizations including states and prominent individuals have extended sympathy donations to the Borno State government to the tune of fourteen billion following the Alau Dam flood disaster.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports that the death toll rose to 30, with significant damage caused to public infrastructure and displaced persons raking an estimation of 400,000.

    In response to the crisis, five states, which includes, Adawama, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba contributed a total of N600m to the relief efforts.

    A breakdown of the donation shows that Adamawa donated N50m; Kano donated N100m; Gombe donated N100m; Bauchi donated N250m and Taraba donated N100m respectively.

    The Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster, chaired by Aliko Dangote, also donated N1bn.

    Elder stateman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, also donated N1.5 billion.

    Several other organisations who donated to the victims includes:  The Thinklab Group Limited donated N30m; United Nations donated $6m:

    14 members of the National Assembly donated a total of N602m, these legislators include Sen. Ali Ndume- N50m; Sen. Ali Sheriff- N100m; Hon. Ali Dalori- N50m; Sen. MT Monguno- N50m; Sen. Kaka Lawan- N50m; Hon. Aliyu Betara- N100m; Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis- N25m and Hon. Ibrahim Abuna- N25m.

    Others include Hon. Usman Zannah- N10m; Hon. Bukar Talba- N10m; Hon. Yerima Kareto – N2m; Abdussalam Kachallah- N100m; Awari Alkali- N20m and Sen. Maina Lawan- N10m.

    Among individual contributors include Labour party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his VP, Baba Ahmed who donated N50M, former PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, donated N100m, and ex-presidential media aide Reno Omokri has contributed N500,000.

  • 259 die in flood disaster – NEMA

    259 die in flood disaster – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that 1,048,312 people have been affected by flooding in Nigeria between April and September 2024. The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this at the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) in Abuja on Thursday.

    Umar stated that 625,239 persons had been displaced and 259 lives lost to the disaster. She commiserated with those affected and assured them that the Federal Government, through NEMA, would provide necessary support. She said the main reason for convening the meeting was to receive updates on the flood situation and assign roles and responsibilities to stakeholders.

    Umar noted that although flooding could not be totally prevented, efforts were being made to mitigate its impact. According to the D-G, 29 states and 172 local government areas have been impacted by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displacing 625,239, and resulting in 259 deaths. She emphasized the need for a coordinated response to the disaster.

    “NEMA has activated Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in some states and deployed additional staff to support search and rescue operations. The agency has also provided water purification equipment and critical search and rescue tools to affected states.”

    Umar appreciated the support of international partners and encouraged them to continue providing assistance while monitoring the situation. She noted that the situation was not yet overwhelming for the Nigerian government to cope with.

    The Assistant Director, Search and Rescue, Wagami Madu, presented an update on the flood, reporting seven deaths in Borno as of Saturday. Madu also mentioned challenges in Maiduguri, including inadequate serving materials and wash facilities due to the high number of people in the camp.

    Mrs Emmanuela Offiong, Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, stressed the need for proper fact-checking and communication on disaster management to avoid disinformation and misinformation.

  • Floods: Tinubu orders urgent intervention by NEMA in Maiduguri, pledges support for victims

    Floods: Tinubu orders urgent intervention by NEMA in Maiduguri, pledges support for victims

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately assist the flood victims in parts of Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno.

    Tinubu gave the order in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, where he expressed deep concern about the flooding.

    The worst flood in recent decades has displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, said President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam.

    While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the president called for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.

    He assured Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.

    The president also said he remained committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.

    Millions of naira, including livestock were said to have also been lost to the floods, while thousands have been displaced.

  • NEMA issues flood alert to Benue, Kogi, Anambra, four other states

    NEMA issues flood alert to Benue, Kogi, Anambra, four other states

    NEMA issues flood alert to Benue, Kogi, Anambra, four other statesThe National National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned of impending flood in Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.

    The agency advised other States in the central and southern parts to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

    Some of the actions to be taken to mitigate the impact of the flood, according to NEMA, include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuation from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

    The agency in a statement on Thursday night by the Head of Press Unit of NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel said: “Following the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises states in the central and southern parts to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

    “The advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures.

    “Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.”

    On the expected actions to mitigate the impact, the agency stated: “Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds”.

    It also adviced communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

    “Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

    “NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the Agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities.

    “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property. Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding.”