Daniel Otera
The devastating floods that struck Mokwa, Niger State, earlier this year left a trail of destruction, displacing families, destroying homes, and claiming lives. In response, the Niger State government, under the leadership of Governor Umaru Bago, pledged N1 billion to support affected households.
This included a promise to provide N1 million each to 458 families, N1 million to the next of kin of 209 deceased victims, and N500,000 to 280 house and shop owners for reconstruction. Additionally, 50 trucks of grains rice, maize, sorghum, and millet were to be distributed to alleviate the burden.
Yet, months after this announcement, many victims are still grappling with loss, alleging that they were unfairly excluded from the relief package. This issue, highlighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), brings to the fore pressing concerns about the transparency, equity, and efficiency of disaster response efforts in Nigeria.
Farida Abubakar’s story is a heartbreaking example of the injustices many in Mokwa are facing. Farida lost her mother, the family’s breadwinner, in the flood. When she approached the Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee to register for compensation, she was met with a shocking response.
“When they were writing names of people who lost their loved ones, I went for my name to be captured. I was told I don’t have a husband, so I was not qualified to benefit,” Farida recalled. Left to care for three younger siblings, Farida’s family now survives on handouts, sleeping in the Tiffin-Maza primary school.
“We have been feeding from hand to mouth,” she said, her voice heavy with despair.
Yusuf Isah, a 74-year-old father of eight, faced a different kind of injustice. After the floods destroyed his rented apartment, he built a makeshift hut to shelter his family. However, he was stunned to discover that his landlord had collected N1 million for the household and N500,000 for property damage but only shared three bags of grains out of the promised 25.
“The landlord refused to share the money with me,” Yusuf said, shaking his head. His story points to a troubling pattern of middlemen allegedly exploiting the distribution process.
Hussaina Zakari’s experience adds another layer to the crisis. She was away for her father’s burial when the floods struck, and when she returned, she found her belongings washed away.
“The only support I got was grains,” she told NAN. Living in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp with her three children and younger siblings, Hussaina relies on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for survival. “NGOs have been of great assistance to us, providing food and other essential items,” she said, highlighting the gap left by the government’s relief efforts.
Inconsistent Distribution: A Mixed Bag of Stories
Not all victims were excluded, however. Farida Isiaku, who tragically lost her husband, six children, and her co-wife’s three children, was among those who received compensation N12 million, to be exact. She used part of this to rent a house and shared the rest with her late husband’s and co-wife’s families. While her case demonstrates that the relief process can be effective, it stands in stark contrast to the struggles of many others, raising questions about consistency and fairness in the distribution.
Alhaji Tanko Bala, the Sarkin Hausawa in Mokwa, noted that the Hausa community was hit hardest by the floods. He praised the state government’s efforts but confirmed irregularities in the process.
“Some households that were supposed to benefit from N1 million got N1.5 million instead, and house owners that were supposed to get N500,000 got N1.5 million,” he revealed. These discrepancies suggest errors in data management or oversight, undermining trust in the system.
The Relief Committee’s Response
Dauda Liman, Chairman of the Mokwa Flood Relief Distribution Committee, explained that the relief was distributed in three batches. He attributed the exclusion of some victims to their absence during the initial assessment.
“Some victims left for other communities after the flood due to trauma but later returned when they heard of the relief distribution,” he said. Liman urged the state government to deliver the remaining 20 trucks of grains out of the promised 50 to reach those still waiting.
Alhaji Salihu Garba, Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), acknowledged the challenges in the distribution process.
“We relied on information and data generated by community-based organizations because our search and rescue operations were carried out jointly with them,” he said. He admitted that the scale of the disaster made it impossible to capture every victim at once. “Some were too traumatized to come forward, while others left the vicinity,” Garba explained.
To address complaints, NSEMA opened a complaint desk, and Garba promised that a report with recommendations would be submitted to the governor. He also noted that 30 trucks of relief materials had been delivered, with efforts ongoing to complete the distribution.
Broader Implications for Disaster Management in Nigeria
The Mokwa flood relief saga is not just a local issue but a reflection of broader challenges within Nigeria’s disaster management framework.
In 2025, Niger State was severely impacted by flooding, which displaced thousands and led to over 500 confirmed deaths. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that more than 2.1 million people were displaced across Nigeria due to flooding in 2022, with Niger State being one of the worst-hit regions.
While the Niger State government allocated ₦1 billion in aid, the distribution process has been marred by allegations of exclusion and irregularities. Cases like Farida Abubakar’s highlight how relief aid can be unfairly denied, while Yusuf Isah’s story shows how aid can be misdirected, leaving vulnerable tenants at the mercy of landlords.
Local Community Efforts and Data Gaps
The role of local community organizations in the aftermath of the flood disaster has been crucial in identifying and assisting victims. Groups such as the Mokwa Youth Forum, Ja’maatul Islam, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ndalile of Mokwa, and the Sarkin Hausawa have contributed significantly, ensuring that aid reached those affected. Their efforts were widely recognized for drawing attention to the specific needs of local communities and distributing funds and materials designated for relief.
However, despite these efforts, challenges arose in the relief distribution process.
The reliance on local data collection methods, which were often inconsistent or incomplete, may have resulted in gaps, leaving some victims unaccounted for. While these methods were well-intentioned, they highlight a critical issue within the disaster relief system: the absence of clear, standardized guidelines for data collection and victim identification. These data gaps may have contributed to the unequal distribution of aid and delayed support for some communities.
Moving Forward: Improving Disaster Response in Nigeria
In a country where over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line (World Bank, 2023), disaster relief is vital in providing immediate support to those in need. However, without clear protocols for data collection, accountability, and transparency, there is a significant risk of funds and materials being mismanaged.
This situation could exacerbate the hardships faced by already vulnerable populations, underscoring the importance of structured disaster management frameworks.