The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has called on state governments across Nigeria to implement proactive measures to prevent and mitigate flooding. This follows predictions that more than 30 states could experience severe flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
Call for Action During Stakeholders Engagement
Umar made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in Yola. The visit was part of activities for the stakeholders’ engagement and flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards.
Key Measures Urged
She identified several key actions expected from states, including the reintroduction and enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises, regular clearing of drainages and waterways, strengthening and supporting State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and ensuring the inauguration and operational functionality of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) at the grassroots level.
NEMA's Preparedness Framework
The Director General disclosed that in response to the forecasts, NEMA has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework. This framework aims to guide coordinated efforts toward reducing flood impacts nationwide.
Early Warning Systems
Through NEMA’s Flood Early Warning System, the agency has identified flood risk profiles and produced vulnerability maps for at-risk communities across the country. These tools support targeted disaster risk reduction planning by federal, state, and local governments.
Call for Broad Support
Umar called on traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support NEMA in amplifying early warning messages and promoting community preparedness.
Governor's Response
Responding, Governor Fintiri commended NEMA for its proactive approach toward disaster preparedness and response, particularly the early warning and sensitisation campaigns ahead of the rainy season. He assured that the Adamawa State Government would carefully consider and implement the recommendations and advice provided by the Director General to reduce the impact of flooding in the state. He also appreciated NEMA's various interventions and support during emergencies and disaster situations in Adamawa.
Flag-Off Event
The Director General also addressed participants at the flag-off event, urging them to play their respective roles and amplify the early warning messages within their communities. Participants included staff of Adamawa and Taraba SEMAs, local government officials, representatives of various stakeholder agencies, volunteers, and members of the media.
