North-Eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe have taken measures to contain possible high volume of flooding, in view of a forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The agency had predicted massive flood in some states, including the trio, in this year’s rainy season.

Officials from the three states told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that proactive measures were already being adopted ahead of the rainy season.

Dr. Mohammed Goje, the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), said the agency had activated its early warning systems and community sensitisation efforts across vulnerable local government areas.

“We have commenced a series of sensitisation campaigns in local languages across flood-prone communities, especially in Bade, Jakusko and Nguru.

“We are also coordinating with local governments and traditional institutions to enforce environmental sanitation and clear blocked waterways,” Goje said.

The Ministry of Environment in Yobe has further confirmed that desilting of major drainages in Damaturu, Potiskum and Gashua was ongoing.

Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, the state Commissioner for Environment, said government had also constituted a task force to monitor compliance with waste disposal regulations.

Similarly, the Adamawa government and relevant emergency agencies have intensified efforts to prevent and mitigate flood disasters.

Dr. Celine Laori, Permanent Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), said the preparedness became necessary following the 2025 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP), by NiMet.

She recalled that the SRP had warned of heavy rainfall in 30 states, with Adamawa as one of the high-risk states for flooding.

Laori urged stakeholders to embark on massive sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness and prepare residents to respond appropriately to flood threats.

“The Agency has commenced sensitisation campaigns in flood-prone communities and has mapped out temporary shelters in high-risk LGAs.

“Apart from sensitisation, we welcome any other intervention that will be beneficial to our people as we prepare for the predicted flooding.

“Currently, the agency is collaborating with local authorities and traditional rulers to ensure early warning information reaches vulnerable residents.

“We are not taking chances this year. Our teams are on the ground carrying out community engagement and have stockpiled relief materials in case of emergencies.

“We advised residents in flood-prone communities to begin relocating to higher grounds to safeguard their lives and property,” Laori said.

She said desilting of major drainages in Yola North, Yola South and Numan Local Government Areas had begun, with support from the Ministry of Environment.

According to her, the agency is working to ensure that precautionary measures are in place ahead of the peak of the rainy season.

The permanent secretary commended Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for his proactive approach and commitment to disaster preparedness and response.

“The government has already procured food and non-food relief items for distribution in the event of any emergency.

“The administration has shown the willingness and readiness to respond effectively to any flood-related disaster,” she said.

Laori advised farmers to avoid cultivating flood-prone lands to prevent the loss of crops and investments during the rainy season.

Also speaking, Mr. Mennas Ngangurah, Director of Hydrology, Ministry of Water Resources, confirmed that water levels in River Benue and its tributaries were being closely monitored.

He said that the exercise was in collaboration with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“We have installed flood gauges in strategic locations.

“Our collaboration with NIHSA and NiMet ensures accurate data sharing and timely intervention in the case of flooding,” he added.

Unlike Yobe and Adamawa, residents in Borno have expressed worry over the delay in Alau Dam reconstruction with the rainy season expected in the coming weeks.

The Federal Government had flagged off the reconstruction of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri about two months ago.

However, work has come to a standstill, leaving residents increasingly fearful as the rainy season approaches.

The delay has triggered concerns, with many urging the government to resume the reconstruction work urgently to avoid a repeat of last year’s flood disaster.

NAN report that the Alau Dam, located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, is crucial for irrigation, water supply, and flood prevention.

In 2024, the collapse of the dam due to heavy rains exacerbated flooding, causing widespread destruction in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

Many residents, especially those who rely on the dam for irrigation during the dry season, are now expressing their frustration and fear that the stalled project could lead to further damage.

In March 2025, the federal government announced an N80 billion budget for the dam’s reconstruction, which was meant to mitigate flooding risks and provide a reliable source of water for local farmers.

However, as the rainy season rapidly approaches, there are no signs of progress at the construction site, prompting growing anxiety among residents.

“The rainy season will begin soon here in Maiduguri. It is a race against time to reconstruct the Alau Dam before the rains start.

“We were all hopeful when the government announced the reconstruction, but now we see no visible progress at the site.

The situation is frightening for us,” said Ibrahim Amarawa, a concerned resident of Maiduguri.

“If work doesn’t resume soon, we risk facing another disastrous flood.”

However, an expert at the Yobe State University, Department of Geography, commended the government’s proactive steps.

He also warned that enforcement and sustained public engagement were key.

Dr Amina Adamu, a climatologist, urged authorities to invest in long-term flood control infrastructure.

“Beyond short-term cleanups, there is a need for embankments, retention basins, and urban drainage systems that can accommodate the volume of rainfall forecasted,” the expert said.

Civil society groups, such as the Yobe Climate Watch, have also begun community outreach and educational campaigns.

The group’s coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Musa, highlighted the importance of local participation.

“We are training local volunteers to identify early signs of flooding and work with local leaders to facilitate evacuation if necessary,” Musa said.

As the rainy season approaches, residents have expressed cautious optimism.

Another expert from Borno, Usman Kachallah, a Meteorologist, said Alau Dam was not just a flood control resource but also a key element in the socio-economic activities of the region.

Kachallah said “for many small-scale farmers, the dam is their primary source of water for irrigation. Its restoration would not only help prevent flooding but also boost agriculture and improve the livelihoods of thousands of people in the region.”

The delay in the reconstruction of the Alau Dam has raised questions about the efficiency and transparency of the project’s implementation.

“We want the government to be transparent about the progress of the reconstruction. We deserve to know what is happening and why there are delays.

“We are scared, and we need the dam to be finished before the rain comes,” Ibrahim Amarawa said.

He insisted that flood prevention should be a top priority for the government as the rainy season approaches.

The expert pointed out that climate change is contributing to more unpredictable weather patterns, making it essential for the government to take proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of flooding.

“The government needs to act swiftly to restore the Alau Dam and address other flood-prone areas,” the environmental expert from Maiduguri added.

“We cannot afford to wait until the floodwaters come again. Now is the time to act,” Amarawa said. (NAN)

Update news