Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised alarm over the devastating impact of floods across Nigeria in 2024, warning that Lagos could face a resurgence of cholera outbreaks due to worsening sanitation conditions.
The agency’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, revealed during a meeting with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja that no fewer than 5,264,097 people were affected nationwide, with 1,237 lives lost. “Widespread flood was reported in 2024 and early 2025 across 35 states.
There is displacement of over 1.2 million persons due to protracted conflicts, floods, communal crises among others,” added Mr. Simon Katu, Assistant Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, speaking on her behalf.
Mrs. Umar noted that Lagos, along with other urban centres, remains highly vulnerable due to poor drainage systems, population pressure, and climate change.
“There was destruction of critical infrastructure (roads, bridges, health facilities); loss of lives and livelihoods, especially in riverine and low-lying communities, compounded by urban poor drainage, climate change, and population pressure,” she said.
Experts fear that stagnant floodwaters could trigger a fresh wave of cholera in Lagos, where blocked drainages and contaminated water sources pose severe health risks to millions.
Looking ahead, NEMA warned that 12 states, including Lagos, are predicted to fall within high flood-risk zones in 2025, with over 43 local government areas on alert.
The agency has launched a national preparedness and response campaign aimed at promoting community-level action.
“This year, we have covered the entire country and entire communities to drive home the need for preparedness, planning, and response,” Mrs. Umar stated. She also announced plans for simulation exercises in Anambra and Kano states to strengthen emergency readiness.
JICA’s Project Formulation Advisor, Mr. Keisuke Matsushita, called for deeper collaboration, highlighting the urgency of building local capacity to manage flood disasters effectively.
Mrs. Umar responded by setting up a five-man committee led by NEMA’s Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, Mr. Idris Abubakar Mohammed, to work with JICA.
The committee is tasked with finalizing plans for training and logistical support, with a timeline expected to commence early next week.
