The National Orientation Agency, has called on Nigerians to take seriously the early flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, stressing that adherence to the advisories could save lives and protect communities from devastating losses.
The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the appeal during the launch of a nationwide sensitisation campaign in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Thursday. Represented by the agency’s National Director of Legal Matters, Mr. Williams Dogo, the DG explained that many recent floods were worsened by poor drainage systems and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
“NiMet’s flood alerts have been proven to be 90 percent accurate. Nigerians must therefore treat these warnings with utmost seriousness if we are to minimise the impact of flooding on lives and property,” Dogo said.
The awareness drive, which will run across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and all 774 local government areas, is designed to engage citizens on flood preparedness, national security, and other government programmes.
According to the NOA, one of the initiatives being promoted is the 2024 Presidential Flood Mitigation Directive, under which the Federal Government allocated N3 billion to each state for drainage clearance and relocation projects.
“We are committed to bringing government programmes closer to the people through town halls, physical engagements and media platforms,” Dogo noted. “This campaign is not only about flood preparedness but also about helping Nigerians understand and take advantage of programmes such as the Education Loan Fund, Conditional Cash Transfer, the National Youth Investment Fund, and the Industrial Training Fund.”
On security, the NOA boss disclosed that the sensitisation campaign would also enlighten citizens on current defence measures, including the deployment of over 15,000 additional security personnel, drones, and armoured vehicles to strengthen national safety.
In Jigawa, the State Director of NOA, Ahmad Ibrahim, reinforced the message, urging residents to pay heed to NiMet’s advisories. “Our communities must stop practices like blocking drains and dumping refuse indiscriminately. These actions are worsening the effects of flooding in our state,” he warned.
Issa-Onilu also emphasised that the campaign will promote patriotism and re-orientation among Nigerians, with a renewed focus on national values, the use of national symbols, and civic responsibility.
“With the agency’s new digital tools, including our upgraded website and AI assistant, alongside strong media partnerships, we are ensuring that these critical messages reach every corner of the country,” the DG assured.