NEMA Warns States of Severe Flooding Risk in 2026 Rainy Season

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised alarm over possible widespread flooding across the country, warning that more than 30 states could experience severe impacts during the 2026 rainy season.

The agency urged state governments to immediately activate flood prevention and emergency response measures to minimise anticipated damage to lives and property.

The warning was issued in a statement released late Wednesday following an official engagement between NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, and stakeholders on disaster preparedness.

According to the agency, governments at all levels must take proactive steps before heavy rainfall intensifies in vulnerable communities.

NEMA recommended the immediate resumption of environmental sanitation exercises, continuous desilting of drainage systems and waterways, improved funding and support for State Emergency Management Agencies, and the activation of Local Emergency Management Committees to coordinate response efforts at the grassroots.

The agency noted that early intervention remains critical to reducing the destruction often caused by annual flooding, including loss of lives, displacement of residents, damage to infrastructure and destruction of farmlands.

Umar disclosed that NEMA had already developed a 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework aimed at strengthening nationwide flood readiness.

She explained that the agency, through its Flood Early Warning System, had identified flood-prone communities and conducted vulnerability assessments to help authorities channel interventions to high-risk areas.

The NEMA boss also called on traditional rulers, religious organisations, youth and women groups, private institutions and the media to intensify public sensitisation ahead of the peak rainfall period.

She stressed that disaster preparedness should not be left to government agencies alone, insisting that communities must also play active roles in prevention and emergency response efforts.

Responding, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, commended NEMA for stepping up awareness campaigns and early preparedness activities ahead of the rainy season.

He assured that the Adamawa State Government would review the agency’s recommendations and adopt measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding across the state.

Fintiri also appreciated NEMA for its previous interventions during emergencies and natural disasters in Adamawa State.

The statement added that participants at the preparedness programme included officials from the emergency management agencies of Adamawa and Taraba states, local government representatives, volunteers, development partners and members of the media.