Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago flagged off a relief package distribution for victims of the floods in Mokwa LGA on June 22, providing cheques, food, and building materials to 10,000 affected households.
The floods, triggered by the River Niger’s overflow, killed 15, displaced 20,000, and destroyed 5,000 homes, per the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).
Bago, speaking at a ceremony in Mokwa, distributed ₦500 million in cheques, with each household receiving ₦50,000, alongside 10,000 bags of rice, 5,000 cement bags, and 2,000 roofing sheets. “We stand with Mokwa to rebuild stronger,” Bago said, announcing plans for a ₦2 billion dam to prevent future floods. The initiative follows criticism from Peter Obi, who urged Tinubu to visit Mokwa. NSEMA reported 500 hectares of farmland lost, impacting Nigeria’s 2025 food security.
The FG allocated ₦1 billion to support Niger’s efforts, with Vice President Kashim Shettima overseeing coordination. Residents praised Bago’s swift response, though some criticized delays in aid delivery. Analysts note that Niger’s 2024 floods, the worst in a decade, highlight climate vulnerabilities, with 1.2 million displaced nationwideA. Bago’s administration plans to relocate 5,000 households to higher ground by 2026.