NEMA in Niger has launched a campaign to educate locals on disaster risk reduction and waste disposal ahead of predicted floods in 2025. The initiative, spearheaded by Hussaini Isah, targets communities like Anguwan Daji and aims for continued outreach in Minna and Kwara state. It calls for improved waste management practices to prevent flooding hazards.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger has initiated a campaign focused on educating local communities about disaster risk reduction and proper waste disposal methods. Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, spearheaded this initiative in the Anguwan Daji community of Minna, in collaboration with the NYSC-NEMA Emergency Management Vanguard and other local agencies.
Isah articulated that the campaign is in response to the flood predictions for 2025 as outlined by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency. He highlighted the significance of preparedness and effective response to natural disasters, emphasizing the necessity of mitigating risks proactively.
The campaign will extend throughout Minna metropolis and into Kwara state to address the widespread issue of poor waste disposal, which Isah identified as a global challenge exacerbating flood risks. He noted that litter, including plastic bottles and tires, can obstruct drainage systems, leading to water accumulation and flooding.
Furthermore, Isah urged the Niger state government to consider establishing recycling plants to improve solid waste management. Ahmed Abubakar, President of the NEMA EMV, pointed out the community’s hazardous habits of indiscriminate refuse disposal, which poses health risks and contributes to flooding, especially affecting the youth.
Community leaders such as Alhaji Nasir Tanko have called for alternative waste disposal sites to mitigate indiscriminate dumping at waterways. Zuwaira Hassan, a resident, voiced concern over the discontinuation of services for waste collection, urging the state government to take immediate action to rectify these issues to ensure their safety.
The NEMA-led campaign in Niger emphasizes the urgent need for disaster risk reduction and proper waste management as a response to impending flooding. Through community education and partnerships with local agencies, the initiative seeks to instill awareness and encourage responsible waste disposal practices. Addressing waste management concerns is vital to safeguarding public health and mitigating the risks associated with flooding in the region.
Original Source: nannews.ng
