Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to reduce the devastating effects of flooding across the state. The governor made this pledge while receiving the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Yola.
Flood Challenges in Adamawa
Fintiri noted that flooding remains a persistent threat to many communities in Adamawa, particularly during the rainy season. He highlighted that the annual floods often result in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents. The governor commended NEMA for selecting Adamawa as one of the states for the 2026 National Flood Awareness Campaign, describing the initiative as timely and crucial given the state's history of flooding.
Government Preparedness
The governor disclosed that the state government is making plans to establish temporary shelters to accommodate displaced persons whenever flooding occurs in any part of the state. He appealed to the Federal Government and relevant intervention agencies to provide additional support for flood victims, especially as the rainy season has commenced in many parts of the country.
“We must sustain collective efforts among government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents to tackle environmental challenges and ensure the safety of lives and property,” Fintiri said.
NEMA's Awareness Campaign
Earlier, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, explained that the visit was part of activities marking the official flag-off of the 2026 National Flood Awareness Campaign. The campaign aims to educate citizens on the dangers associated with flooding. Umar stated that according to predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), about 33 states are expected to experience flooding this year, with Adamawa listed among the vulnerable states.
Strategies to Mitigate Flooding
“Following the devastating floods recorded in previous years and the growing impact of climate change, NEMA has developed several strategies to reduce the effects of flooding. These measures include capacity building, early warning systems, public enlightenment campaigns, and collaboration with critical stakeholders,” Umar said.
She also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage residents to strictly adhere to safety guidelines to minimize flood-related risks.
