NEMA Launches Nationwide Flood Preparedness Campaign Across Nigeria
Hussaini Ibrahim 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Emergency Management Agency launches a nationwide disaster preparedness campaign following forecasts that 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory face heightened flood risks in 2026.
The campaign begins on Friday in Calabar, Cross River State, amid rising concerns over climate change, recurring floods and extreme weather conditions affecting communities across Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration of the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign 2026, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar said the initiative aims to strengthen disaster risk governance and improve emergency response nationwide.
The campaign carries the theme, “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria.”
According to Umar, flooding killed 241 people across Nigeria in 2025, while 433,578 residents were affected and 144,790 displaced from their homes.
She also reveals that 839 persons sustained injuries, while 52,592 houses and 74,767 acres of farmland were destroyed by floods last year.
“Flooding continues to cause destruction of infrastructure, disruption of livelihoods and displacement of communities annually across the country,” Umar says.
She explains that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook identify 33 states, including Cross River State and the FCT, as high-risk flood zones.
NEMA says it has already convened an expert review meeting to analyse weather forecasts and develop a national preparedness framework.
Umar urges state governments and residents in flood-prone communities to identify safe evacuation centres ahead of emergencies.
She also calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and private sector operators to intensify public awareness campaigns.
“As disasters become more frequent due to climate change, preparedness and early response remain critical,” she states.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, commends NEMA’s proactive measures and pledges continued collaboration to strengthen disaster response systems.
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