By Nkechi Eze
The National Emergency Management Agency 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, with a renewed call for proactive measures against anticipated flooding across the country.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the campaign was aimed at driving early and coordinated action to protect lives, property and livelihoods ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
She noted that the South South region remains one of the most flood-prone areas in Nigeria due to its coastal geography, high rainfall intensity, overflowing river systems, inadequate drainage infrastructure and the growing impact 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 early preparedness, mitigation and effective response mechanisms, particularly for vulnerable communities likely to be affected during the rainy season.
She urged traditional rulers, religious bodies, women and youth groups, media organisations, private sector operators and other stakeholders to support NEMA in amplifying flood early warning messages, emphasizing that disaster management requires collective responsibility.
The NEMA Director-General further disclosed that the agency had developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework as a strategic guide for reducing the impact of flooding nationwide.
She identified key mitigation measures under the framework to include capacity building for local responders, simulation and tabletop exercises, adherence to rainfall and flood advisories, routine clearing of drainage channels and waterways, as well as the development and testing of community evacuation plans.
Mrs. Umar revealed that through NEMA’s Flood Early Warning System, the agency had mapped risk profiles and designed tailored mitigation measures for dissemination to vulnerable communities, while flood vulnerability maps had also been produced to support targeted planning by federal, state and local authorities.
She added that NEMA would deploy technical teams to all states of the federation for grassroots sensitisation and direct community engagement in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies, Local Emergency Management Committees and community volunteers.
Expressing optimism over the impact of the initiative, the DG said the campaign would strengthen national preparedness, reduce the devastating effects of recurrent flooding, safeguard livelihoods and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As part of activities marking the campaign, Mrs. Umar also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, where she called for intensified proactive measures to ensure efficient flood management in the state.
Responding, Governor Otu commended NEMA for its proactive disaster preparedness efforts and assured the agency of the continued support and collaboration of the Cross River State Government in strengthening flood response and disaster management mechanisms.
