Governor Fintiri Assures NEMA Of Adamawa’s Commitment To Combat Flooding

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has assured the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that the Adamawa State Government is ready to deepen its collaboration with the agency to reduce the devastating impact of flooding in the state.

Fintiri gave the assurance on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yola, when he received the director-general of NEMA, Zubaida Umar.

Fintiri said flooding continues to pose serious challenges to many communities in Adamawa State, particularly during the rainy season, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of residents almost every year.

He commended NEMA for selecting Adamawa State as one of the states for the 2026 National Flood Awareness Campaign, describing the initiative as timely and necessary considering the experiences of previous years.

Governor Fintiri recalled that the state recorded huge losses from flood disasters last year, stressing that his administration has already introduced measures aimed at reducing the impact of future occurrences.

According to him, the measures include monthly environmental sanitation exercises, continuous clearing of drainages, and sensitization of residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer and higher grounds.

The governor further disclosed that the state government is making arrangements to establish temporary shelters for displaced persons whenever flooding occurs in any part of the state.

He also appealed to the federal government and relevant intervention agencies to provide additional support for flood victims, especially as the rainy season has commenced in many parts of the country.

Governor Fintiri emphasized the need for collective efforts among government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents in addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding lives and property.

Earlier in her remarks, the NEMA director-general, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, said the visit formed part of activities marking the official flag-off of the 2026 National Flood Awareness Campaign aimed at educating citizens on the dangers associated with flooding.

She explained that predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) indicated that about 33 states of the federation are likely to experience flooding this year, with Adamawa listed among the vulnerable states.

Hajiya Zubaida Umar stated that following the devastating floods recorded in previous years and the increasing impact of climate change, NEMA has developed several strategies to mitigate flood disasters.

She said the strategies include capacity building, early warning systems, public enlightenment campaigns, and collaboration with critical stakeholders.

The NEMA director-general commended Governor Fintiri for sustaining a strong partnership with the agency and called on traditional rulers and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage residents to comply with safety guidelines.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an award to Governor Fintiri in recognition of his administration’s commitment to mitigating flood disasters and addressing environmental challenges in Adamawa State.