The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised alarm over the likelihood of severe flooding in Kebbi State, warning that the flood season is expected to reach its peak in September.
According to the agency, the River Niger is projected to overflow during the period, threatening farmlands, riverside communities and major infrastructure in several parts of the state.
The warning was issued by the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the Director of the North-West Zonal Directorate, Aliyu Shehu Kafindongi, during a stakeholders’ engagement on the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign 2026 held in Birnin Kebbi.
She explained that water levels are also expected to remain high through October and November, a development that could worsen the impact of flooding in affected areas.
Umar identified Kebbi as one of the states considered highly vulnerable to flooding this year, noting that 12 local government areas have already been classified as high-risk zones.
The affected councils include 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 meeting was organised to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in tackling flood-related disasters across the state.
He added that the state government had already begun putting response measures in place ahead of the anticipated flooding.
“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 Kebbi State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nasiru Karofi, described the state as one of the areas highly exposed to climate-related risks, stressing the need for continuous public awareness campaigns and disaster preparedness.
“Disasters come with consequences. They disrupt communities and households. It is time to enlighten and sensitise our people,” he said.