As Mokwa Tragedy Claims 200 Lives, Minister Urges Urgent Action
Abuja — The Federal Government has raised the alarm that at least 1,249 communities in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are at high risk of flooding in 2025, following the tragic loss of over 200 lives in Mokwa, Niger State, due to recent floods.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, disclosed this while reacting to the Mokwa disaster. He clarified that the flooding was not due to the release of water from dams, but rather the result of intense and prolonged rainfall, stressing the urgency for proactive measures.
"This unfortunate incident in Mokwa serves as a warning," the Minister said. "It is not from dam operations but a sign that early warnings must be taken seriously. States must act now—before it's too late."
Utsev said some states have already begun implementing early response measures including dredging of waterways, sensitization campaigns, and strategic evacuations in vulnerable areas.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and informed using the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s (NIHSA) flood dashboard, which provides real-time updates on flood-prone zones and rainfall data.
With the nation still reeling from the Mokwa devastation, the Minister reiterated the importance of early action and intergovernmental cooperation to prevent further tragedies.