Following predictions that over 30 states in Nigeria may experience serious flooding during the 2026 rainy season, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has urged state governments across the country to commence proactive measures aimed at preventing and mitigating flooding.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, made the call on Wednesday night, urging states to urgently adopt preventive actions to minimise the impact of the predicted floods.
Umar said some of the measures expected from states include “the reintroduction and enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises, regular clearing of drainages and waterways, strengthening and supporting State Emergency Management Agencies as well as ensuring the inauguration and operational functionality of Local Emergency Management Committees at the grassroots.
Umar further called on traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support the agency in amplifying early warning messages and promoting community preparedness against flooding.