Dare Babalola
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised state governments to urgently activate flood prevention and response plans after forecasts indicated that more than 30 states could face significant flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
The warning was contained in a statement released late Wednesday after the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, engaged stakeholders during an official visit.
According to the agency, state authorities must move quickly to reduce the likely impact of flooding by implementing precautionary measures before rainfall intensifies across vulnerable areas.
Among the steps recommended were the restoration of regular environmental sanitation exercises, continuous desilting of drains and waterways, improved support for State Emergency Management Agencies, and the activation of Local Emergency Management Committees to coordinate grassroots response efforts.
NEMA said these measures are necessary to reduce damage to lives, homes, farms and infrastructure often associated with seasonal floods.
Umar also disclosed that the agency had prepared a 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide nationwide flood readiness and emergency planning.
She explained that through NEMA’s Flood Early Warning System, the agency had mapped flood-prone communities and developed vulnerability assessments to help federal, state and local governments focus interventions where risks are highest.
The NEMA chief further appealed to traditional rulers, faith-based groups, youth associations, women groups, private organisations and the media to help spread safety information and strengthen public awareness ahead of peak rainfall months.
She stressed that disaster management cannot be left to government agencies alone, noting that communities must also take ownership of preparedness efforts.
Reacting, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri commended the agency for intensifying awareness campaigns and taking early steps to prepare states before the rainy season worsens.
He assured that the Adamawa State Government would study NEMA’s recommendations and adopt practical measures aimed at limiting the effects of flooding in the state.
Fintiri also expressed appreciation for the agency’s previous interventions during emergencies and natural disasters in Adamawa.
The statement added that the NEMA Director-General addressed participants at a preparedness programme and urged them to support early warning efforts within their respective communities.
Those present at the event included officials from the emergency management agencies of Adamawa and Taraba states, local government representatives, partner institutions, volunteers and members of the media.
Nigeria records destructive floods almost every rainy season, with many communities experiencing deaths, displacement, crop losses and widespread destruction of roads, bridges and homes.
Experts have linked recurring floods in the country to blocked drainage channels, unchecked urban expansion, climate change and weak waste management systems.
Authorities say sustained preparedness, public awareness and stronger local response systems remain critical to reducing the humanitarian and economic toll of annual flooding.
