Flooding: NEMA warns states, urges preventive measures

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The National Emergency Management Agency has urged state governments across the country to commence proactive measures aimed at preventing and mitigating flooding following predictions that over 30 states may experience serious flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

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The call was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday night following a courtesy visit by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar.

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According to the statement, Umar urged states to urgently adopt preventive actions to minimise the impact of the predicted floods.

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The statement noted that some of the measures expected from states include “the reintroduction and enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises, regular clearing of drainages and waterways, strengthening and supporting State Emergency Management Agencies as well as ensuring the inauguration and operational functionality of Local Emergency Management Committees at the grassroots.”

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The NEMA boss also disclosed that the agency had developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness, and Mitigation Framework in response to flood forecasts across the country.

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“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,” the statement read.

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Umar further called on traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support the agency in amplifying early warning messages and promoting community preparedness against flooding.

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Responding, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri commended NEMA for its proactive approach to disaster preparedness and response, particularly the early warning and sensitisation campaigns ahead of the rainy season.

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“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,” the statement added.

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

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The statement further noted that the DG NEMA addressed participants at the flag-off event and urged them to play their respective roles and amplify early warning messages within their communities.

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Participants at the event included staff of Adamawa and Taraba State Emergency Management Agencies, local government officials, representatives of stakeholder agencies, volunteers, and members of the media.

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Nigeria experiences severe flooding almost every rainy season, with several states recording loss of lives, destruction of farmlands, displacement of residents and damage to infrastructure.

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In recent years, flooding has been worsened by poor drainage systems, blocked waterways, climate change impacts and unregulated urban development.

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The Federal Government and emergency agencies have continued to intensify early warning campaigns and preparedness efforts to reduce the humanitarian and economic consequences of recurring floods across vulnerable communities.

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