By Fatima Saka
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has called on state governments to immediately commence proactive measures to mitigate the impact of anticipated flooding, warning that over 30 states may experience severe floods during the 2026 rainy season.
Umar made the appeal on Wednesday in Yola during a courtesy visit to Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, as part of activities marking the stakeholders’ engagement and flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards.
Highlighting the urgency of early intervention, the NEMA boss outlined key preventive actions expected from states. These include the enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation, routine clearing of drainages and waterways, strengthening State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and ensuring the activation of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) at the grassroots level.
She revealed that NEMA has developed a 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide coordinated national efforts in reducing flood risks. According to her, the agency has also deployed its Flood Early Warning System to generate vulnerability maps and identify high-risk communities across the country.
Umar stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, urging traditional rulers, religious bodies, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support awareness campaigns and promote community preparedness.
Responding, Governor Fintiri commended NEMA’s proactive approach, particularly its early warning systems and sensitisation efforts ahead of the rainy season. He assured that the Adamawa State Government would consider and implement the agency’s recommendations to minimise the impact of flooding.
The governor also expressed appreciation for NEMA’s continued support during past emergencies in the state.
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At the flag-off event, Umar further charged stakeholders—including officials from Adamawa and Taraba SEMAs, local government representatives, volunteers, and media practitioners—to amplify early warning messages and play active roles in safeguarding their communities.
The campaign marks a renewed national push toward disaster preparedness as authorities seek to avert the devastating consequences of recurrent flooding across Nigeria.
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