The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on Benue State to significantly strengthen its flood preparedness, early warning systems, and emergency response mechanisms as heavy rainfall continues across Nigeria.
This urgent appeal was made during a one-day simulation exercise on flood preparedness held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The agency emphasised the need for sustained vigilance and coordination to mitigate the devastating impact of potential flooding.
Mrs. Blessing Eka, NEMA’s Assistant Director of Search and Rescue, who represented the Director General, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, urged the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) to coordinate efforts in early warning dissemination, timely evacuation of at-risk communities, and effective emergency response. The call comes in the wake of predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicating heavy rainfall and potential flooding in several states, including Benue.
Benue State is particularly vulnerable to perennial flooding due to its geographical location along the banks of the River Benue, one of Nigeria’s major waterways. Each year, heavy downpours lead to overflowing rivers, displacing thousands of residents, destroying vast farmlands, and disrupting economic activities in the predominantly agrarian state. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Benue’s economy, often bears the brunt, leading to significant financial losses for farmers and impacting food security.
The urgency of NEMA’s message is underscored by the devastating 2022 floods, which affected 34 states across Nigeria, displacing an estimated 1.4 million people and claiming over 600 lives. Benue was among the hardest-hit states, with communities submerged and livelihoods shattered. The simulation exercise, which brought together various stakeholders, aimed to test communication channels, evaluate existing response protocols, and improve resource mobilisation strategies.
Enhancing Community Resilience and Multi-Agency Collaboration
In his response, Sir James Anye, the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, appreciated NEMA’s proactive initiative and reaffirmed the state agency’s commitment to enhancing preparedness. He noted that BSEMA has been conducting sensitisation campaigns across flood-prone areas and identifying high-ground camps for potential internally displaced persons.
NEMA also stressed the broader responsibilities of state and local governments in flood mitigation, including the regular clearing of drainages, strict enforcement of building codes to prevent construction on flood plains, and comprehensive community education. The agency highlighted the critical role of community participation in implementing early warning advisories and adhering to evacuation directives.
The event saw the participation of various key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Red Cross, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Traditional rulers, youth, and women groups were also present, signalling a multi-pronged approach to disaster preparedness.
As the rainy season continues, effective collaboration between federal and state emergency management agencies, local governments, and communities remains paramount to minimising the human and economic toll of flooding in Benue State and other vulnerable regions across Nigeria.
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