The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on state governments across Nigeria to urgently step up preventive measures as forecasts indicate that more than 30 states could face severe flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
The warning was issued in a statement released on Wednesday night following a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar.
According to the agency, the rising flood risk makes early preparation unavoidable, and states must begin immediate actions to reduce possible destruction and loss of lives.
Umar urged governments at all levels to prioritise preventive steps that would limit the impact of the predicted floods across vulnerable communities.
She highlighted key measures expected from states, including “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.”
The NEMA boss also disclosed that the agency has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness, and Mitigation Framework to strengthen national response to flood-related emergencies.
She further explained that “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.”
Umar also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, the media, and private sector actors to support the dissemination of early warning messages and encourage community preparedness.
In response, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri commended NEMA for its proactive approach to disaster preparedness, especially its early warning campaigns 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,” the statement said.
He also appreciated NEMA’s continued support to Adamawa State during emergencies and disaster situations.
The statement noted that the Director-General of NEMA spoke at the flag-off event, urging participants to take responsibility and ensure early warning messages reach communities at the grassroots.
Stakeholders at the event included officials from Adamawa and Taraba State Emergency Management Agencies, local government representatives, partner agencies, volunteers, and members of the media.
Nigeria experiences recurring flooding almost every rainy season, often resulting in deaths, displacement, destruction of farmland, and damage to infrastructure. The problem is further worsened by poor drainage systems, blocked waterways, climate change, and rapid urban expansion.
The Federal Government and emergency response agencies have continued to intensify awareness campaigns and preparedness efforts to reduce the growing impact of floods nationwide.