The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to take seriously the flood early warnings regularly issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), stressing that ignoring them could worsen the rising risk of flooding across the country.
Issa-Onilu, represented by Mr. Williams Dogo, NOA’s National Director of Legal Matters, made the appeal on Thursday, August 28, during the launch of a nationwide enlightenment campaign in Dutse, Jigawa State.
He identified poor drainage systems and indiscriminate waste disposal as major causes of flooding recently experienced in Niger, Kogi, Rivers, Anambra, and Bayelsa States.
He commended NiMet’s flood advisories for their “90% accuracy” and urged Nigerians to act on them to reduce losses.
“We are committed to bringing the government’s programmes closer to the people through physical engagements, town halls, and media,” Dogo said.
The campaign will span all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local governments, covering issues of flood mitigation, government programmes, and national security awareness.
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Highlighted initiatives include the Presidential Flood Mitigation directive, which in 2024 allocated ₦3 billion per state for drainage clearance and relocation of vulnerable communities.
Issa-Onilu explained that the campaign also promotes awareness of policies such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Conditional Cash Transfer, and youth-focused initiatives like the National Youth Investment Fund and Industrial Training Fund.
On security, he disclosed that over 15,000 new security personnel, drones, and armoured vehicles have been deployed to strengthen defence strategies nationwide.
The campaign also seeks to re-orient students and youth towards patriotism, values, and respect for national symbols.
Earlier, Jigawa NOA Director Ahmad Ibrahim reiterated the urgency of adhering to NiMet’s warnings, linking recent flooding to poor waste management and drainage issues.