Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, has called on citizens to take climate warnings more seriously following a deadly flood in Niger State that killed more than 200 people and displaced over 3,000.
The flooding struck three communities in Mokwa Local Government Area on May 29, submerging homes, destroying farmlands, and cutting off access to essential infrastructure.
In a statement released Wednesday, Abdullahi described the disaster as “a stark reminder of the impact of climate change” and urged communities to pay close attention to early warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA).
“There is no gainsaying the fact that, throughout the country, communities and opinion leaders must take more seriously the Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMET as well as the Annual Flood Outlook by NHSA,” the minister said.
Abdullahi, who hails from Niger State, also emphasised the urgent need for action to prevent future disasters. He recommended the desiltation of existing water bodies and the construction of new water-harvesting structures to reduce flood damage while supporting agriculture.
He stressed the importance of trauma counselling and long-term recovery efforts for those affected, especially families who lost loved ones and farmers whose livelihoods were washed away.
“This is a most difficult time for the families of the victims, their neighbours, and their communities,” he said. “My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones, along with their homes and crops.”
The minister extended his sympathy to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, acknowledging the heavy burden of leading the state through the crisis. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing national emergency agencies to deliver relief to the devastated region.
“There is evidence that this is being done,” Abdullahi said, adding that it is vital that help reaches those most affected.
Food supplies have already been distributed by the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), he confirmed.
Reflecting on recent years, Abdullahi expressed deep concern about the increasing frequency of water-related disasters in Nigeria, including boat accidents and floods that destroy farmland and reduce food security.
“Each rainy season in recent years has often left me with a deep sense of foreboding,” he said.
The flood in Mokwa is one of the worst natural disasters in Nigeria this year, and authorities are warning that more could follow if early warning systems continue to be ignored.