DG NEMA urges states to commence early action against predicted flooding

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has urged State Governments across the country to commence proactive measures aimed at preventing and mitigating the impact of flooding following predictions that more than 30 states may experience serious flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

Mrs. Zubaida Umar made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in Yola as part of activities for the stakeholders’ engagement and flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards.

She identified some of the key actions expected from states to include the reintroduction and enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises, regular clearing of drainages and waterways, strengthening and supporting State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), as well as ensuring the inauguration and operational functionality of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) at the grassroots.

The DG NEMA disclosed that in response to the forecasts, the Agency has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide coordinated efforts toward reducing flood impacts nationwide.

She added that 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 to support targeted disaster risk reduction planning by Federal, State, and Local Governments.

She called on traditional institutions, religious organizations, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support NEMA in amplifying early warning messages and promoting community preparedness.

Responding, the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, commended NEMA for its proactive approach toward disaster preparedness and response, particularly the early warning and sensitization campaigns being undertaken ahead of the rainy season.

The Governor assured that the Adamawa State Government would carefully consider and implement the recommendations and advice provided by the DG NEMA to reduce the impact of flooding in the state.

He also appreciated the various interventions and support consistently provided by NEMA to Adamawa State during emergencies and disaster situations.

The DG NEMA also addressed participants at the flag-off event where she urged them to play their respective roles and amplify the early warning messages within their various communities.

Participants at the event included staff of Adamawa and Taraba SEMAs, local government officials, representatives of various stakeholder agencies, volunteers, and members of the media.