Nasarawa State Urges Residents in Flood-Prone Areas to Relocate Amid Rising Flood Risks

In response to forecasts predicting severe flooding across Nigeria, the Nasarawa State Government has issued a directive for residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to higher ground to safeguard lives and property.

Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, announced the directive on Saturday during a press briefing in Lafia. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that indicate a high risk of flooding in the state. Elayo stated, “We are partnering with chairmen of Local Government Areas (LGAs) and traditional rulers to show those affected by this relocation directive where they should go now for their safety.”

The state government is collaborating with local authorities and traditional leaders to identify and prepare safer locations for affected residents. This proactive measure aims to prevent a repeat of past flood disasters that have resulted in loss of lives and property.

In addition to relocation efforts, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), has launched the 2025 National Flood Disaster Response Campaign in the state. The campaign focuses on flood prevention, preparation, mitigation, and response strategies. NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, highlighted the importance of community-based information sharing and increased safety and security surveillance as part of the mitigation strategies.

Residents are also being advised to take environmental sanitation seriously to reduce the risk of flooding. Proper waste disposal and the desilting of drainages are among the measures being encouraged to ensure the free flow of water during heavy rains.

These initiatives come in the wake of devastating floods in other parts of Nigeria, such as the recent disaster in Mokwa, Niger State, where over 150 people lost their lives. The Nasarawa State Government is taking these warnings seriously and is committed to protecting its residents from similar tragedies.

Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to comply with the relocation directive promptly and to cooperate with government officials and emergency responders to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the impending flood threats.