By Abdulkadir Ibrahim
Flooding has been a recurring challenge in Nigeria, causing displacement, loss of life, and economic disruptions, especially in vulnerable communities.
In 2024, proactive measures taken by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through early warning systems and sensitisation campaigns proved crucial in mitigating the impact of floods across the country.
This article explores the impact of these efforts and their role in protecting lives and livelihoods.
*The Importance of Flood Preparedness in Nigeria*
Nigeria experiences seasonal flooding, particularly during the rainy season, often aggravated by poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and the release of water from dams in neighboring countries. Flood-prone states, including Lagos, Kogi, Anambra, Jigawa, and Bayelsa, have historically been among the most affected. Given the growing threat posed by climate change, flooding events are becoming more frequent and severe, making flood preparedness essential.
Recognizing this, NEMA under the leadership of the Director General Hajjia Zubaida Umar enhanced its early warning and sensitization efforts in 2024 to prepare communities at risk, reduce the damage caused by floods, and strengthen resilience.
*NEMA’s Early Warning System in 2024*
Early warning systems rely on data from meteorological agencies, hydrological monitoring, and environmental assessments to predict flood risks accurately. NEMA, in partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), disseminated timely flood forecasts and alerts.
These warnings were shared through multiple platforms, including radio, television, handbills, website and social media, to enhance reach.
NEMA also ensured that information was delivered in local languages to increase accessibility and comprehension.
*Sensitization Campaigns and Community Engagement*
Alongside early warnings, NEMA launched extensive sensitization campaigns to raise public awareness about flood risks and preparedness measures. These campaigns focused on educating communities about the importance of:
Clearing drainage systems and waterways to prevent flooding.
Adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as tree planting and soil conservation.
Evacuating from high-risk areas when alerts are issued.
Identifying safe locations for temporary shelters and relief centers.
During advocacy visits to states by officials of the Agency with some teams personally led by the Director General, Traditional leaders, religious institutions, and community-based organizations were actively involved in spreading these messages to ensure greater reach. Workshops, town hall meetings, and door-to-door campaigns played a key role in educating vulnerable populations, especially those living in remote and rural areas.
*Impact of the Campaigns in Reducing Flood Damage*
Even though the flood seasons are not over, the combined effect of early warnings and sensitization efforts significantly reduced the impact of flooding in 2024 compared to previous years. Some key outcomes include:
1. Fewer Casualties: Thanks to timely alerts and effective sensitization, communities evacuated early from high-risk areas, reducing loss of life.
2. Reduction in Property Damage: Communities were better prepared to protect their homes and assets, such as relocating livestock and securing important documents.
3. Lower Displacement Rates: Proactive measures, such as opening drainage systems and relocating families in advance, reduced the number of people forced to leave their homes.
4. Improved Disaster Response: NEMA’s partnerships with state governments and local emergency response teams ensured that relief efforts were more efficient and well-coordinated. This included faster access to temporary shelters, food, and medical supplies for affected communities. A case in point is the Maiduguri flood Intervention where the Agency provided seamless collaboration between Stakeholders during and after the unfortunate incident which affected over 400000 persons
*Challenges and Lessons Learned*
While the campaigns were largely successful, a few challenges remained. Limited infrastructure, such as inadequate drainage systems, contributed to localized flooding despite early warnings. Additionally, the lack of adequate funding and resources constrained NEMA’s ability to reach all vulnerable areas with equal intensity. Some communities were slow to respond to evacuation notices due to cultural beliefs or skepticism about the severity of warnings.
These challenges highlighted the need for continuous investment in flood mitigation infrastructure and stronger collaboration among government agencies, private organizations, and international partners.
*Conclusion*
The early warning and sensitization campaigns by NEMA in 2024 marked a significant step forward in flood disaster management in Nigeria.
By leveraging data-driven forecasts and engaging communities effectively, NEMA was able to reduce casualties, property damage, and displacement during the flood season.
Moving forward, building on these successes through improved infrastructure and greater community involvement will be critical in sustaining progress.
As Nigeria continues to confront the challenges posed by climate change, proactive flood preparedness will remain essential for safeguarding lives and promoting sustainable development. For communities near rivers and dams, real-time alerts are needed to provide critical time for evacuation and other preparedness activities.
Abdulkadir Ibrahim,
Assistant Chief Information Officer, NEMA Press Unit, Abuja
19th October 2024
