Authorities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states have begun implementing flood prevention strategies in anticipation of severe rainfall, as projected by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for the 2025 season.
NiMet’s outlook identified several states, including these three, as likely to experience significant flooding. Responding to this warning, state officials have confirmed that preparations are already in motion to reduce the impact of possible disasters.
In Yobe State, Dr. Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), revealed that the agency has activated early alert systems and is engaging local communities through awareness campaigns tailored to their native languages.
“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.
Meanwhile, Yobe’s Ministry of Environment has commenced drainage clearing in cities like Damaturu, Potiskum, and Gashua. Commissioner Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa added that a task force is monitoring adherence to waste disposal laws to prevent environmental blockages.
In Adamawa State, the government has intensified disaster preparedness activities, aligning efforts with NiMet’s 2025 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP). Dr. Celine Laori, Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), emphasized the urgency of proactive community engagement.
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 also confirmed that major drainage channels in Yola North, Yola South, and Numan are being cleared, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. According to her, all actions aim to ensure the state is ready before peak rainfall begins.
The government’s proactive stance was acknowledged by Laori, who commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for supplying emergency relief materials and backing flood response initiatives.
“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 further advised farmers to avoid planting crops in areas prone to flooding to reduce the risk of agricultural loss.
Also weighing in, Mr. Mennas Ngangurah from the Ministry of Water Resources confirmed that real-time water level monitoring is ongoing along the River Benue and its connected streams. He noted this is being done 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.
In contrast to the activities in Adamawa and Yobe, residents of Borno State have raised concerns over the stalled reconstruction of the Alau Dam, a vital structure for flood control, irrigation, and water supply. The federal government had launched the reconstruction project a few months ago, but visible progress has since halted.
With the rainy season fast approaching, many locals are alarmed by the delays, fearing a repeat of the devastating floods of 2024, when the dam’s failure caused serious damage across Maiduguri and its environs.
“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.”
The dam plays a significant role in local agriculture, providing critical water access for irrigation, especially during the dry season. The federal government had announced an N80 billion allocation for the dam’s repair, but as yet, construction has stalled.
An expert from Yobe State University, speaking on condition of anonymity, appreciated the early flood control efforts but emphasized that enforcement and continued public education were essential to ensuring long-term resilience.
Dr. Amina Adamu, a climatologist, called for deeper investments in permanent 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.
Groups like Yobe Climate Watch have also joined in by launching local outreach programs. According to coordinator Mr. Ibrahim Musa, their goal is to build local capacity to spot early warning signs and collaborate on evacuation when needed.
“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 nears, public sentiment across the North-East is a mix of hope and anxiety.
In Borno, meteorologist Usman Kachallah emphasized the multi-purpose importance of the Alau Dam, especially for smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on it.
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 ongoing delay has prompted questions regarding how well the reconstruction process is being managed.
“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.
Experts also linked rising flood risks to climate change, pointing to the increasing unpredictability of weather as a strong reason to implement sustainable flood mitigation plans.
“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.
