NEMA WARNS OF PEAK FLOODING IN KEBBI, IDENTIFIES 12 HIGH-RISK LGAs

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that September this year will mark the peak of the flood season in Kebbi State, with projections indicating severe flooding across 12 Local Government Areas.

NEMA said the River Niger is expected to overflow its banks during the period, leading to widespread inundation of farmlands, riverside settlements, and critical infrastructure across the state.

The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director of the North-West Zonal Directorate, Aliyu Shehu Kafindongi, issued the warning at a stakeholders’ engagement on the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi.

She explained that elevated water levels are expected to persist into October and November, extending the impact of flooding in affected communities.

According to her, Kebbi remains one of the high-risk states this year, with 12 local government areas identified as vulnerable to flooding. The affected LGAs are Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, Birnin Kebbi, Dandi, Fakai, Koko/Besse, Maiyama, Ngaski, Shanga, Zuru and Yauri.

“We call on all partners, traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups, the media and the private sector to support NEMA in amplifying early warning messages,” she said.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Abubakar Abdullahi, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening stakeholder coordination in addressing the predicted flooding.

He said the state government had already put measures in place to respond to the forecast, stressing that preparedness remained key to reducing disaster impact.

“It is better to prepare for the predicted flooding than to wait until disaster happens. We commend the initiatives already taken by the government,” he said.

Also speaking, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nasiru Karofi, urged sustained sensitisation efforts, noting that Kebbi falls within high-risk climate zones requiring continuous public awareness.

“Disasters come with consequences. They disrupt communities and households. It is time to enlighten and sensitise our people,” he said.