By Nkechi Eze
In a proactive measure to mitigate the adverse impacts of flooding in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has embarked on a flood sensitization campaign across the Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji Area Councils. The move follows the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook jointly issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified several communities in the three area councils as high flood risk zones.
Leading the campaign, the Ag. Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, emphasized the urgency of public preparedness and relocation for residents living close to rivers and low-lying areas. At the palace of the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibrin, FEMD revealed that at least eight locations within the FCT have been projected to experience severe flooding due to expected heavy rainfall and rising water levels.
Represented by the Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation, Mr. Mark Nyam, Engr. Abdulrahman specifically appealed to residents in vulnerable areas such as Pegi and other riverine settlements to remain vigilant. He urged them to monitor changing weather conditions and evacuate immediately if signs of flooding emerge. “If you have to cross a river to get to your farmland and you observe that clouds are gathering and the weather is changing, please leave the farm immediately. Also, children should not be allowed to play by the riverbanks this season,” he cautioned.
Responding to the briefing, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibrin, assured FEMD of the full cooperation of the traditional institution. He pledged to disseminate the warning and safety messages to the over 20 communities under his jurisdiction, stressing the importance of community-based alertness and readiness to act swiftly in emergencies.
A similar message was delivered at the palace of the Etsu Kwali, Alhaji Ayedoo Luka Nizassan. FEMD disclosed that specific communities within Kwali Area Council namely Gumbo, Dabi Bako, and Ashara had been identified by NIHSA as high-risk flood zones. In his address, Engr. Abdulrahman urged the youth and local volunteers to monitor water levels actively and act as first responders before contacting the Department through its toll-free emergency number, 112.
The Etsu Kwali expressed appreciation for the timely intervention and pledged to cascade the sensitization message to the 15 district heads and other traditional rulers within the area. He emphasized the need for constant vigilance among residents, especially in rural and riverine settlements, to prevent loss of lives and property.
The FEMD delegation also visited the palace of the Etsu Yaba in Abaji Area Council, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Ndatsu, where the message of preparedness and early relocation was equally emphasized. According to Engr. Abdulrahman, since 2014, FEMD had identified a higher ground within Yaba as a designated safe zone for residents during flood emergencies. He appealed to the community to make use of the area in the event of rising water levels.
“Since 2014, we identified a higher ground in this area and we are today appealing to you to go there for safety if the water level rises,” the FEMD boss stated. He further revealed that the communities of Yaba, Gurdi, and Gawu were among those penciled down by NIHSA as probable flood risk areas.
In addition to the call for relocation, Engr. Abdulrahman directed FEMD volunteers in the council to intensify community engagement and monitoring, stressing the need to block the local access bridge if water levels rise dangerously, as a precautionary measure to safeguard lives.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Chiroma Yaba, Alhaji Audu Yaba, expressed gratitude for the Department’s intervention but also appealed to the FCT Administration for urgent assistance. He noted that many farmlands and agricultural produce were destroyed during the 2024 flood season, causing significant hardship for the people.
