The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA), and disaster response organisations in Bayelsa have pledged joint efforts to mitigate the impact of the impending flood.
The Nigeria Meteorological Service and the Nigeria Hydrological Agency had predicted that 30 states of the federation are at risk of flooding in 2025.
A strategic coordination meeting on flood preparedness and emergency response was held on Wednesday at the BYSEMA office in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital.
Addressing participants, Mr. Eric Ebhodaghe, Head of Operations at NEMA’s Port Harcourt Zonal Office, noted that collaboration was key to effective disaster management. He explained that NEMA’s mandate includes coordination of organisations and mobilisation of resources to manage disasters across the federation, urging stakeholders to work together to bring relief to victims of anticipated floods.
Ebhodaghe said NEMA has a robust disaster management plan which it intends to implement alongside BYSEMA and other response organisations in Bayelsa. He added that NEMA complements the efforts of states and local governments when disasters overwhelm their capacity, while also providing technical support and training.
On the N3 billion flood intervention fund disbursed by the federal government to flood-prone states, he clarified that NEMA does not manage or warehouse the funds.
“We are not in control of flood intervention funds. The states get the funds directly from the federal government, while NEMA focuses on coordination and assisting states when disasters get out of hand. As we speak, the funds for states are with the states and not with NEMA,” he said.
In his remarks, Chief Walaman Igrubia, Director-General of BYSEMA, outlined the preparedness measures of the Bayelsa government ahead of the flood season. He noted that the state’s topography posed peculiar challenges to disaster response, adding that high grounds were being prepared as temporary shelters and camps for victims.
Igrubia commended NEMA for its proactive stance and appealed for closer collaboration to support Bayelsa’s flood control efforts. He disclosed that the state government is clearing natural water channels, desilting rivers and creeks, and constructing dykes to channel excess water.
He maintained that the magnitude of annual floods was beyond the capacity of BYSEMA and the state government, calling for more federal assistance as the state grapples with the challenge.
Representatives of security agencies, the military, fire service, Red Cross, National Orientation Agency, and several voluntary organisations participated in the meeting.
The meeting resolved to strengthen collaboration and convene further advocacy sessions with Bayelsa government officials to enlist their support for disaster response and management plans.
