The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has called on state governments across the country to adopt proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of flooding, following forecasts indicating that over 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 outlined key measures expected from states to include the reintroduction and strict enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises, routine clearing of drainages and waterways, strengthening of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and the establishment and operationalisation of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) at the grassroots.
The NEMA boss disclosed that the agency had developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide coordinated efforts aimed at reducing the impact of flooding nationwide.
She added that through its Flood Early Warning System, NEMA had identified flood risk profiles and produced vulnerability maps for at-risk communities across the country to support targeted disaster risk reduction by federal, state and local authorities.
Umar also called on traditional institutions, religious leaders, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support the agency in disseminating early warning messages and strengthening community preparedness.
In his response, 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 consider and implement the agency’s recommendations to reduce the impact of flooding in the state.
Fintiri also appreciated NEMA’s consistent interventions and support to the state during emergencies and disaster situations.
The NEMA Director-General also addressed participants at the flag-off ceremony, urging stakeholders to play their roles effectively and amplify early warning messages within their communities.
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