Mulade Calls For Urgent Flood Preparedness Across Niger Delta
By AUGUSTINA McSOLOMON-OGHAKPERUO
CHIEF (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff has called on governors in the Niger Delta to strengthen flood preparedness following fresh warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. He said urgent action is needed to prevent another large-scale disaster in the region.
The environmental advocate expressed concern over what he described as the repeated neglect of vulnerable communities. He urged state governments to focus on protecting lives and property before flooding intensifies.
Mulade, who serves as National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, said many residents have not fully recovered from previous flood disasters. He noted that the devastating 2012 floods left lasting economic and social impacts across the Niger Delta.
He warned that continued inaction could lead to widespread destruction. He said homes, farms, public infrastructure and sources of livelihood remain at risk if preventive measures are ignored.
The activist appealed for stronger collaboration among state governments, federal agencies, emergency responders and community leaders. He recommended clearing blocked waterways, improving drainage systems, preparing evacuation centres, strengthening emergency response capacity and providing timely relief support for affected communities.
He singled out Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states as areas facing particularly high flood risks. He urged their governments to intensify preparedness efforts ahead of the peak rainy season.
Mulade said proactive planning and coordinated action are essential to reducing the impact of flooding. He stressed that governments should respond early rather than wait until disasters occur. His warning comes after NiMet forecast heavy rainfall and increased flood risks across several Nigerian states during the current rainy season.
