Communities across 20 Nigerian states have begun preemptive relocations following official flood warnings from the meteorological agency.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has triggered widespread precautionary measures after issuing flood alerts for 20 states across the country. In its July advisory released Monday, the agency warned of imminent flash floods in Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, Yobe, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Delta, Cross River, Kaduna, Ondo, Adamawa, and Nasarawa states due to forecasted heavy rainfall.
Field reports indicate residents in vulnerable communities have already begun relocating from floodplains following the warning. NiMet’s comprehensive advisory urged at-risk populations to take immediate action, including clearing drainage systems, preparing emergency kits, and reinforcing mudslide prevention measures. The agency specifically recommended temporary relocation for those in high-risk areas and emphasized community awareness campaigns.
This proactive response comes against a backdrop of systemic failure in flood prevention. According to PUNCH investigations, state governments have received over N620 billion in ecological funds between 2012 and 2023, yet flood mitigation infrastructure remains critically inadequate. The funds, meant to address environmental challenges including flooding, have failed to produce tangible results, leaving communities to bear the brunt of annual flood disasters.
Residents in affected states told Saturday PUNCH they’re taking NiMet’s warnings seriously after experiencing devastating floods in previous years. Many are relocating preemptively rather than waiting for disaster to strike, marking a shift from previous response patterns.
The meteorological agency has advised residents to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates, and take additional precautions including turning off electricity and gas supplies when flooding occurs. Authorities are being urged to implement the National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan to mitigate potential damage as the rainy season intensifies.