By Salau Ibrahim
The Nigerian Navy has pledged its full support to the Kogi State Government in mitigating the anticipated 2026 flood, while commending Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his proactive measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, Banda Base, Lokoja, Commodore Adetayo Olushola Ojo, gave the assurance when the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, led members of the Kogi State Flood Response Team and officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on a courtesy visit to the naval base in Lokoja.
Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Atimah lauded the Nigerian Navy for its invaluable support during previous flood emergencies in Kogi State and appealed for stronger collaboration among the Navy, SEMA and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective preparedness and response to the predicted flooding.
He stressed that flood disaster management is a collective responsibility, noting that early preparedness, coordinated response and sustained inter-agency collaboration are critical to reducing the impact of flooding on vulnerable communities.
Also speaking, the Head of NEMA Abuja Operations overseeing Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Zekeri Abubakar, disclosed that forecasts by relevant agencies indicate that Kogi State remains one of the states likely to experience significant flooding in 2026.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s operational assets, including speedboats and highly trained personnel, will be crucial in rescue missions and emergency response operations should flooding occur.
Mallam Abubakar further assured residents that the Federal Government, through NEMA, has put adequate measures in place to ensure a prompt and effective response to any flood-related emergency.
In his response, Commodore Ojo reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Kogi State Government in addressing the anticipated flood disaster.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his foresight and proactive preparations towards flood mitigation, describing the Governor’s commitment to disaster risk reduction as exemplary.
The Commander revealed that the Navy has 13 functional boats strategically positioned and ready for emergency operations. He also disclosed that the Navy operates a dedicated Disaster Relief Unit specifically established to handle disaster response and humanitarian interventions.
He, however, urged SEMA to intensify public enlightenment campaigns through the media to educate residents of flood-prone communities on preventive measures and safety precautions before and during the flood season.
As part of the flood preparedness tour, the SEMA and NEMA delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Office in Lokoja, where they were received by the Area Manager, Engineer Olabode Komolafe.
During the meeting, Alhaji Atimah and Mallam Abubakar called for enhanced collaboration with NIWA to strengthen flood response and emergency operations across the state.
Responding, Engineer Komolafe assured the delegation of NIWA’s unwavering support, stating that the Authority has speedboats, life jackets and trained personnel on standby to support rescue and emergency operations whenever the need arises.
The delegation later visited Edeha, a flood-prone community in Kogi Local Government Area, where they conducted a sensitisation campaign to educate residents on flood preparedness, early warning signs and safety measures.
Addressing the community, Alhaji Atimah and Mallam Abubakar urged residents not to panic over the flood predictions, assuring them that both the Kogi State Government and the Federal Government have put in place comprehensive measures to minimise the impact of any eventual flooding.
They also encouraged residents to heed official warnings, cooperate with emergency responders and comply with any evacuation directives issued by relevant authorities.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Edeha, Chief Abdullahi Isah Panika (Gabo), expressed appreciation to both the Kogi State and Federal Governments for their timely intervention and proactive efforts to protect lives and property.
The sensitisation exercise was attended by members of the community, who pledged their full cooperation with government agencies in promoting effective flood preparedness, disaster response and community resilience.
