The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) on Thursday launched a community-based awareness campaign in Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji Area Councils to mitigate potential flood disasters.
The move follows the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which identified several flood-prone areas within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the FEMD, at least eight locations in the FCT are at high risk of severe flooding this year.
During a sensitization visit to the palace of the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibrin, the Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, represented by the Head of Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, Mr. Mark Nyam, urged residents of low-lying areas, especially riverbank settlements like Pegi, to immediately begin relocating to safer, elevated grounds.
“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. Children should not be allowed to play by riverbanks this season,” Abdulrahman warned.
In response, the Gomo of Kuje assured that the flood warning message would be taken seriously and shared across more than 20 communities under his jurisdiction.
In the Kwali Area Council, the FEMD delegation was received by the Etsu Kwali, Ayedoo Luka Nizassan. Communities such as Gumbo, Dabi Bako, and Ashara were listed among those at high risk.
Abdulrahman appealed to youths and community volunteers to monitor rising water levels and serve as the first line of response by calling the emergency toll-free number, 112, when danger is imminent.
The traditional ruler pledged to relay the warning to the 15 district heads and traditional leaders under his authority.
The campaign was also taken to the palace of the Etsu Yaba in Abaji Area Council, Alhaji Aliyu Yakubu Ndatsu, where FEMD reiterated the importance of relocating to a previously identified higher ground in the area—a safe zone earmarked since 2014.
The FEMD boss listed Yaba, Gurdi, and Gawu as communities marked by NIHSA as vulnerable to heavy flooding.
He urged local volunteers to increase sensitization efforts and to block access to the community bridge if water levels rise dangerously.
While responding on behalf of the community, the Chiroma Yaba, Alhaji Audu Yaba, appealed for urgent support from the FCT Administration, and lamented the destruction of farmland and crops caused by last year’s floods.
FEMD noted that the ongoing sensitization is part of proactive measures to avert loss of lives and property as Nigeria faces another year of intense rainfall and climate-related threats.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, observe weather patterns, and take early warnings seriously.