Calabar, Cross River State — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has flagged off its 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards for the South South region, warning of heightened flood risks and calling for urgent, coordinated action to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Speaking at the launch in Calabar on Thursday, Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the campaign is aimed at promoting early preparedness ahead of the 2026 rainy season, particularly in flood-prone communities across the coastal region.
She identified the South South as one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable zones due to its coastal geography, intense rainfall, overflowing river systems, poor drainage infrastructure, and the growing impact of climate change. According to her, these factors have continued to trigger recurring floods, displacing communities, destroying farmlands, and disrupting economic activities.
Umar stressed that proactive measures are critical to reducing the impact of anticipated flooding, urging stakeholders—including traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector—to amplify early warning messages.
“Disaster management is everyone’s responsibility,” she said, emphasizing the need for collective action in prevention, mitigation, and response.
The NEMA boss disclosed that the agency has developed a 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide nationwide efforts in reducing flood risks. Key strategies outlined include capacity building for local responders, simulation exercises, adherence to weather advisories, routine clearing of drainage systems, and the development of community evacuation plans.
She further noted that NEMA’s Flood Early Warning System has enabled the identification of risk profiles and the creation of vulnerability maps to support targeted planning by federal, state, and local governments.
As part of the campaign, NEMA will deploy technical teams to all states for grassroots sensitization, working in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers.
Umar expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen national preparedness, reduce recurring flood losses, and align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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In a related development, the NEMA Director General paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, where she called for intensified state-level interventions to enhance flood management.
Governor Otu commended NEMA’s proactive approach and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustained collaboration in improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
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