Floods Destroy 16,000 Hectares Of Farmland Across 27 States

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that recent floods have devastated approximately 16,488 hectares of farmlands across 27 states in Nigeria. The floods have also caused extensive damage to over 32,000 homes and affected around 227,000 individuals.
In a statement released on its official X handle, NEMA provided a comprehensive update on the floods’ impact. The agency has begun deploying relief materials to affected areas, working in tandem with state governments to provide necessary support. NEMA has also launched public awareness campaigns focused on waste management and drainage maintenance to mitigate future flooding risks.
NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of relocating communities at risk to higher ground before the peak of the rainy season. She urged stakeholders to be prepared for immediate flood response and reassured farmers that the temporary dry season would improve according to seasonal climate forecasts.
In a related development, Jigawa State’s emergency agency reported significant damage from the floods, including the destruction of over 2,000 hectares of farmlands across ten local government areas. Dr. Haruna Mariga, the Executive Secretary of the state emergency agency, confirmed 16 fatalities, the displacement of 3,936 individuals, and the inundation of 2,744 hectares of farmlands. The situation is expected to worsen with anticipated heavy rainfall.
The floods are likely to aggravate Nigeria’s ongoing food insecurity and cost of living crisis, compounding the effects of the 2022 floods, which previously caused an estimated $9 billion in damages. The high food prices and production challenges from last year’s floods are expected to persist as the country faces additional disruptions from the current floods.