NEMA Launches 2026 Flood Preparedness Campaign in Cross River, Warns South South States of Rising Flood Risks
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched its 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards for the South South region, warning that coastal states remain highly vulnerable to devastating floods during the rainy season.
The development was disclosed in a press release issued by the National Emergency Management Agency following the official flag-off of the campaign in Calabar, Cross River State, by the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar.
Speaking during the event, Umar said the campaign was aimed at driving early and coordinated action to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure ahead of anticipated flooding in 2026.
“The South South region remains one of the areas most vulnerable to flooding in Nigeria due to its coastal location, high rainfall intensity, overflowing river systems, poor drainage infrastructure and the impact of climate change,” she said.
According to her, the annual flooding in the region often leads to the destruction of farmlands, displacement of communities, and disruption of socio-economic activities.
The NEMA boss stressed the importance of proactive measures and urged communities, institutions, and stakeholders to take flood warnings seriously.
“Disaster management is everyone’s business,” Umar stated as she called on traditional rulers, religious organisations, youth and women groups, the media, and the private sector to support the agency in spreading early warning messages.
She disclosed that NEMA had developed a 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide efforts at reducing the impact of flooding nationwide.
The framework, according to her, includes key strategies such as capacity building for emergency responders, simulation exercises, adherence to weather advisories, clearing of drainage channels, and development of community evacuation plans.
Umar further revealed that the agency, through its Flood Early Warning System, had mapped vulnerable communities and developed targeted mitigation strategies for states and local governments.
“NEMA will deploy technical teams to all states of the federation for direct community outreach, supported by State Emergency Management Agencies, Local Emergency Management Committees, and community volunteers,” she added.
The Director-General expressed optimism that the campaign would improve preparedness, minimise losses, and strengthen support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As part of the exercise, the NEMA delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Bassey Otu, where the agency urged the Cross River State Government to intensify proactive flood management efforts.
Responding, Governor Otu commended NEMA for its commitment to disaster preparedness and assured the agency of the state government’s continued collaboration in strengthening flood response mechanisms.
“We will continue to work closely with NEMA to improve disaster preparedness and ensure better protection for our communities,” the governor said.
