Nigeria is grappling with a severe flood crisis that has claimed the lives of 179 people and displaced over 200,000 individuals across 22 states.
The floods, driven by heavy rainfall and the swelling of the Niger and Benue rivers, have wreaked havoc on communities, farmlands, and homes, primarily in the northern regions of the country.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has released a comprehensive report detailing the extent of the devastation, highlighting the dire need for immediate and sustained intervention to address this growing crisis.
According to NEMA’s 2024 Flood Updates, the floods have affected 137 local government areas in 28 states, with the most severe impacts observed in Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Niger states.
A total of 208,655 people have been displaced, with the highest numbers recorded in Sokoto (41,000), Bauchi (35,000), and Zamfara (32,000).
The report also indicates that 107,652 hectares of farmland have been destroyed, posing a significant threat to food security in the affected regions.
The impact on housing infrastructure has been equally devastating, with 80,049 houses either partially or destroyed. Bauchi State has witnessed the destruction of 18,000 houses, while Sokoto and Jigawa have reported 10,000 and 8,000 destroyed homes, respectively.
The loss of property and livelihoods is further compounded by the destruction of essential farmland, with 50,000 hectares affected in Bauchi alone.
The human toll of the floods is staggering, with 179 confirmed deaths across 15 states. Jigawa State has suffered the highest number of fatalities, with 34 deaths, followed closely by Bayelsa and Kano, each reporting 25 deaths. Other states, including Bauchi, Taraba, Zamfara, and Sokoto, have also recorded significant loss of life.
The displacement of over 200,000 people has led to a humanitarian crisis, with many individuals and families left without shelter, food, or access to basic services.
NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, brought to fore the challenges facing the agency in responding to the disaster, particularly in terms of funding.
During a visit by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, it was emphasized that the current financial constraints are hampering effective disaster management efforts.
Gbajabiamila suggested that a law should be enacted to ensure states contribute counterpart funds to support NEMA’s operations. He also stressed the importance of focusing on flood prevention and disaster mitigation as part of a broader strategy to manage future environmental challenges.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the widespread destruction caused by the floods.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu called for collective efforts to address Nigeria’s growing environmental challenges and build a more climate-resilient society.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support to victims and work on improving early warning systems to prevent such disasters in the future.
Meanwhile, NEMA has issued a stern warning that the flooding could worsen in the coming months, particularly in September and October.
The agency’s spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, noted that the situation in the northern states is especially critical, with the potential for even greater displacement and destruction.
The rising tides from the upper countries of the River Niger are expected to exacerbate the situation, leading to further flooding downstream in Nigeria.
The impact of the floods on agriculture is a significant concern, with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, warning that the anticipated harvests this year could be severely affected.
Kyari emphasized the need for increased investment in technologies and practices that can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and safeguard their livelihoods.
