PRESS RELEASE

The Hon Minister who Unveiled the Annual Flood Outlook ( AFO) 2021 with the theme “Managing Flood For Sustainable Development in Covid-19 Era”, noted that the achievements of the Agency in the past years has increased awareness in the country and has helped the citizens in taking proactive measures in doing the needful before, during and after floods.

Engr Suleiman Adamu further revealed that 302 LGA’S in the 36 States of the Federation including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will fall within the Moderate Probable Flood Risks Areas and from the prediction the States Contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue are going to experience river flooding these includes; Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nassarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Rivers and Bayelsa, while coastal flooding will be experienced by Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos and Ondo States, Flash and Urban Floods from heavy inundation are expected to occur in major cities which severity will depend on the availability and adequacy of the cities drainage systems and compliance to urban planning.

The Hon Minister further pledged that the ministry will do all it’s best to give aid to the citizenry that will be contending with Covid-19 pandemic and Flooding with attendance to the health hazards occasioned by flooding and subsequent contamination of the potable water.
He urged stakeholders, policy makers, Federal, States and LGA’S, Departments and Agencies to rise and set up appropriate mechanisms, maintaining proper water disposal management practices to minimize the devastating effect of flood and threats of Covid-19.

The Permanent Secretary of the FMWR Mrs. Walson Didi Jack mni, earlier in her welcome address noted that the accuracy of the predictions have been fairly reliable.
The Perm Sec reiterated that the absolute objective of the Prediction of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency is to Sensitize Stakeholders, decision and policy makers, and of course the general public towards commencing on preventive measures to improve on safety and minimize the destruction of lives and property noting that this 9th Edition of the Annual Flood Outlook ( AFO) with the theme ” Effective Flood Management For Sustainable Development” for our dear nation will be achieved.

Present at the occasion were the Representatives of the Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, FCT, Aviation, Heads of Government Agencies and parastatals, DG NIMET, Prof M.B Matazu, DG NEMA AVM Mohammed Mohammad, DG NASRDA Rep. by Dr Ibrahim Asmau, DG NOA, Rep by Dr Garba Abass, DG NWRI Dr E. Adamu, Chairman NIHSA Governing Board Engr Atiku A. Dungurawa, and members, MD’s of River Basin Authorities, Water Resources Commissioners and host of other dignitaries graced the occasion and delivered their Goodwill messages.
The opening ceremony came to a close with the Vote of thanks delivered by Chief A. Madabuchi a retired Director from the Agency.

Samuel Lauretta (Mrs)
Head Press and PR Unit
7th May 2021