In response to the Federal Government’s warning about rising water levels in the River Niger, Delta and Kogi states have activated their Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. This precaution follows an alert to six states—Delta, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Anambra, and Imo—about potential flooding due to increasing volumes of the river.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued the warning on August 22, 2024, following reports from the Niger Basin Authority in Niamey, Niger Republic. The situation is attributed to upstream activities in Niger and Mali, which are causing water levels to rise and move towards Nigeria, starting with Kebbi State.
Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, confirmed that dam operators at Kainji and Jebba are prepared to manage the situation. Communities along the River Niger, particularly in states like Delta and Kogi, have been advised to be on high alert as the floodwaters are expected to peak towards the end of August and into September.
In preparation, Delta State has not only activated its IDP camps but also established a 16-man Flood Management Committee. The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Jamani Ejero, noted that measures such as clearing waterways and advising residents in lowlands to relocate are already underway. The state government has also initiated public awareness campaigns to ensure that communities are prepared.
Kogi State, similarly, has activated all 42 of its IDP camps. Muktar Atimah, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, mentioned that the water levels are being closely monitored, and evacuation plans will be implemented if the levels rise further.
The Federal Ministry of Environment is working with NIHSA and other agencies to mitigate the impact of the flooding, with a focus on alerting communities along the River Niger. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is also monitoring water levels in the Benue and Niger rivers.
Anambra State has issued a similar alert to its riverine communities, urging them to be vigilant and prepare for potential flooding. The state has advised farmers to harvest their crops early and has warned families to take precautions.
In addition to state-level preparations, the Federal Government, through the National Economic Council, has approved N3 billion to support farmers in states affected by flooding, including Kebbi. This funding aims to mitigate the impact on agriculture and food production in the affected regions.
