NEMA Flags Off 2026 Flood Preparedness Campaign in South-South
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has flagged off the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards for the South-South geo-political zone in Calabar, Cross River State.
Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, who inaugurated the campaign on Thursday, said the initiative was aimed at promoting early and coordinated action to safeguard lives and livelihoods during the 2026 rainy season.
She noted that the South-South region remains highly vulnerable to flooding due to its coastal location, heavy rainfall, overflowing river systems, poor drainage infrastructure, and the growing effects of climate change.
According to her, these challenges have continued to trigger recurrent flooding, displacement of communities, destruction of farmlands, and disruption of economic activities across the region.
Mrs. Umar stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent, mitigate, and effectively respond to anticipated flooding, especially in vulnerable communities.
She called on traditional rulers, religious institutions, women and youth groups, media organisations, the private sector, and other stakeholders to support NEMA in amplifying early warning messages and promoting disaster preparedness.
“Disaster management is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
The NEMA boss disclosed that the agency had developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide nationwide efforts at reducing flood impacts.
She identified key mitigation measures to include capacity building for local responders, simulation and tabletop exercises, compliance with rainfall and flood advisories, routine clearing of drainage channels and waterways, and the development of community evacuation plans.
Mrs. Umar further explained that NEMA, through its Flood Early Warning System, had identified flood risk profiles and tailored mitigation measures for vulnerable communities, while also producing vulnerability maps to support targeted planning by federal, state, and local governments.
She added that the agency would deploy technical teams across all states of the federation for direct community sensitisation and preparedness campaigns in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers.
The Director-General expressed optimism that the campaign would strengthen disaster preparedness, reduce the impact of flooding, protect livelihoods, and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
NEMA Flags Off 2026 Flood Preparedness Campaign in South-South