NEMA, Kogi Government Strengthen Flood Preparedness as Rainy Season Threat Intensifies
Agency, state government intensify collaboration on early warning, emergency response and protection of vulnerable communities
By Pan Afric Reporters
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kogi State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening flood preparedness and emergency response mechanisms as forecasts indicate an increased risk of flooding during the current rainy season.
The renewed commitment followed a high-level meeting between the Head of NEMA’s Abuja Operations Office, Pharm. Zakari Abubakar, and the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Salifu Joel Oyibo, at the Government House in Lokoja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the NEMA Abuja Operations Office Press Unit.
During the courtesy visit, both parties explored strategies to enhance disaster preparedness, improve emergency response coordination and reduce flood risks across Kogi State, one of Nigeria’s most flood-prone states.
Speaking during the meeting, Abubakar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to working closely with the Kogi State Government and other stakeholders to strengthen disaster management and protect communities vulnerable to flooding.
He stressed that effective disaster management requires sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, traditional rulers, the media and local communities.
“Effective disaster management depends on sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, traditional institutions, the media, and local communities,” he said.
The NEMA official highlighted the need for proactive measures, including continuous public sensitisation, timely dissemination of early warning information, pre-positioning of emergency response resources and well-coordinated evacuation plans for communities at risk.
He assured the state government that the agency remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at safeguarding lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure from the devastating effects of flooding.
“NEMA remains committed to supporting the Kogi State Government in protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure from the effects of flooding,” Abubakar added.
Responding, Deputy Governor Oyibo commended NEMA, under the leadership of its Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, for its consistent support to Kogi State through flood preparedness campaigns, emergency interventions and capacity-building initiatives.
He described the agency as a dependable partner in the state’s efforts to build resilience against disasters and pledged the government’s continued cooperation in implementing flood mitigation strategies.
“NEMA has remained a reliable ally in our drive to build resilience against disasters,” Oyibo said.
The Deputy Governor also assured that the Kogi State Government would continue to strengthen emergency response mechanisms while ensuring that communities identified as being at risk through seasonal climate predictions receive timely information, early warnings and the necessary assistance.
The meeting forms part of NEMA’s nationwide campaign to deepen collaboration with state governments ahead of the peak of the rainy season, with a focus on reducing the impact of floods through proactive planning, public awareness and coordinated emergency response.
