The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on the Rivers State Government to take the lead in addressing the ongoing flood situation in the state before seeking additional support from the federal emergency agency.
The Head of Media and Public Relations at NEMA, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, in a statement, emphasised that the primary responsibility of responding to emergencies, including flooding, lies with state governments. He noted that federal intervention is supplementary and should not be expected as a first line of response.
Ezekiel also referenced the recent disbursement of funds by the Federal Government to enhance disaster preparedness and response. According to him, the National Economic Council (NEC) approved N3 billion each for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while NEMA was allocated N10 billion to support its national emergency response efforts.
He disclosed that Rivers State has already benefitted from several federal-level interventions this year, though he did not specify the exact nature or scope of the assistance provided.
The reminder from NEMA comes amid rising concerns from residents in flood-prone areas of Rivers State, who are calling for urgent action to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding that has affected homes, farmlands, and access roads in various communities.
