National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 12 out of Niger state’s 25 local government areas as high flood risks, calling on the state government to start sending warning alert and making early preparations for proper response.

The 12 local government areas include Agwara, Bida, Magma, Munya, Agaie, Shiroro, Bosso, Kontagora, Gurara, Chanchaga, Rafi, and Lavun local government areas.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stated this when she made the presentation of 42 metric tonnes of assorted grains to the state Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago in Minna on Tuesday.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, NEMA’s Director General emphasised the critical need for preemptive actions to mitigate potential flood disasters underscoring the necessity for the state government to implement strategic measures promptly.

“Niger state is known to be one of the major food producers in the country, the citizens largely engage in farming but the annual occurrences of flood have threatened this potential. It is the responsibility of the government to involve strategies to minimize loss through adherence to warning alerts, early preparations and proper responses”, she said.

During her visit, Umar made delivery of federal government-approved assorted food commodities to the state government to alleviate potential distress caused by floods. The food commodities recieved include The food commodities include maize, sorghum, and millet.

“The president approve 42 metric tonness of assorted food commodities from the national food reserves under tge custody of the federal ministry of agriculture and food securuty. This would aid vulnerable communities across the state”, she said.

Niger state governor, Mohammed Umar Bago while receiving the food commodities appreciated the federal government’s support pledging to ensure transparent distribution of the relief items.

“Anyone attempting to divert or sell these items given to us by the federal government would be persecuted. The local government chairmen and traditional institutions should be in their toes to make sure that these gets to the right people it is meant for”.

The governor also disclosed that committees have been set up for the proper distribution of the item adding that every logistical requirements would be taken care of by the state government.