Federal Government Orders Relocation in Four Niger LGAs as Flood Threat Intensifies

The Federal Government has issued a critical directive to residents of four local government areas in Niger State, urging them to relocate to higher ground immediately. This urgent appeal follows a fresh flood warning issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, predicting imminent heavy rainfall and potential widespread flooding.

The alert, released on Thursday, July 31, 2025, specifically identified Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu local government areas as being highly susceptible to significant rainfall that could lead to devastating floods between July 31 and August 4, 2025. The warning, signed by Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, implored relevant stakeholders to take immediate and appropriate action to mitigate the escalating risks.

This federal directive comes as Niger State grapples with a history of severe flooding, including the tragic Mokwa flood in May 2025, which claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands. The state has long been identified as one of Nigeria’s most flood-prone regions, with persistent warnings from meteorological and hydrological agencies.

Reacting to the federal alert, the Niger State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Kolo, confirmed on Friday, August 1, 2025, that the state government had already initiated public announcements via radio, urging residents in flood-prone areas to activate their evacuation plans. Kolo explained that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier issued a broader flood alert, encompassing 15 local government areas within the state, due to the rising water levels in the Niger, Kaduna, and Gurara rivers.

Among the LGAs previously identified by the state government as being at high risk are Agaie, Bida, Borogu, Bosso, Edati, Bako, Katcha, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mokwa, Rafi, Shiroro, and Wushishi, in addition to the four areas highlighted by the Federal Government. Major roads such as Awuru–Imigifala, Mokwa–Gana, Owo–Tegina, Wawa–Yelwa, and Kainji Road are also expected to be affected.

Emergency agencies across the state have been advised to remain on high alert and be prepared for rapid response operations. Communities in the affected regions are strongly urged to heed the warnings and swiftly implement their evacuation plans to prevent loss of life and property. The proactive measure underscores the commitment of both federal and state authorities to avert a repeat of past devastating flood disasters.