NEMA Urges Coordinated Action Ahead Of Predicted 2026 Floods

The director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has urged state governments across the country to adopt proactive measures to prevent and mitigate flooding, following predictions that more than 30 states may experience severe flooding during the 2026 rainy season.

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 marking the stakeholders’ engagement and flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards.

She identified key measures expected from states to include the reintroduction and enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation, regular clearing of drainages and waterways, strengthening of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and the establishment and effective operation of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) at the grassroots.

The NEMA DG also disclosed that the agency has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide coordinated efforts aimed at 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 by all tiers of government.

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

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

He assured that the Adamawa State Government would carefully consider and implement the recommendations to reduce the impact of flooding in the state.

The governor also appreciated NEMA’s continued support and interventions during emergencies and disaster situations in Adamawa State.

Umar later addressed participants at the flag-off ceremony, urging them to play active roles in disseminating early warning messages within their communities.