ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed deep concern that current relief efforts for the victims of the Mokwa flood are failing to address the urgent needs of displaced persons, particularly women and children.
In a statement released on Monday, the Country Director of AAN, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, highlighted the severe impact of the floods in Mokwa, Niger State, which have devastated large areas of farmland, homes, and businesses.
Mr. Mamedu stated, “We are now reliably informed that the death toll has risen to 224. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and residents who have suffered immense loss, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the state government and all partners in responding to this humanitarian crisis.”
He further noted, “While we commend the efforts of humanitarian actors and donors who have contributed to government coffers, the scale of devastation in Mokwa is deeply distressing. Current relief efforts are not adequately addressing the urgent needs of displaced persons, especially women and children.
Although humanitarian organisations are present and providing limited support, the camps remain poorly organised and lack essential services. Many women are unwilling to stay overnight in these camps due to the absence of basic amenities, such as toilets, running water, and secure shelters. Consequently, many choose to sleep in damaged homes or on open pavements, further compounding their vulnerability. It is particularly concerning that the local emergency management committee lacks meaningful representation of women, which is critical to addressing gender-specific needs in these relief efforts.”
Mr. Mamedu added, “Our team on the ground observed that, as of Sunday, 8th June, the state government had yet to initiate any relief intervention, choosing instead to wait until after Sallah to commence aid distribution. This delay will only exacerbate the suffering of thousands who are already in dire circumstances, especially pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and persons with disabilities.”
ActionAid Nigeria has therefore urged the following actions:
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The immediate commencement of aid distribution by the Niger State Government, prioritising food, non-food items, clean water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, temporary family tents, and improved camp infrastructure.
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Inclusion of meaningful representation of women in relief coordination committees to ensure gender-specific needs are effectively addressed, including the provision of gender-sensitive toilets to encourage displaced persons to remain in safer shelters.
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Increased support from development partners and civil society organisations for comprehensive humanitarian interventions, particularly cash transfer programmes to enable affected households to access essential supplies quickly.
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Coordinated, transparent, and culturally sensitive community-focused assessments by all humanitarian actors to identify and respond to the evolving needs of affected persons.
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Urgent implementation of proactive, climate-resilient measures by the Niger State Government to mitigate further devastation as the rainy season continues, with the risk of additional flooding remaining high.
The statement further noted, “While we acknowledge the Federal Government’s delivery of grain and the N2 billion support package, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive and sustained action by both the Niger State Government and the Federal Government. An open and transparent public accountability mechanism should be established to track how every contribution is utilised, ensuring that no one profits from the suffering of survivors and that every resource reaches those in greatest need.”
