The National Emergency Management Agency has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing disaster-related casualties and improving emergency preparedness across Nigeria in 2026.
NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, announced the initiative on Friday during the inauguration of the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign 2026 in Calabar, Cross River State.
The campaign carries the theme, “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria.”
NEMA Warns of Rising Flood Risks
Umar said the campaign would promote early and coordinated actions to protect lives and livelihoods, especially during the rainy season in vulnerable communities.
According to her, flooding continues to destroy infrastructure, disrupt economic activities, and displace thousands of residents across the country every year.
NEMA data showed that floods claimed 241 lives in 2025, compared to 321 deaths recorded in 2024.
The agency also revealed that floods affected 433,578 people in 2025, displaced 144,790 residents, injured 839 persons, damaged 52,592 houses, and destroyed 74,767 acres of farmland nationwide.
33 States Identified as High-Risk Areas
Umar disclosed that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Flood Outlook identified 33 states, including Cross River State and the Federal Capital Territory, as high flood-risk areas.
“Following this, NEMA convened an expert review meeting in April to assess forecasts and develop a preparedness and mitigation framework to reduce flood impacts nationwide,” she said.
She urged state governments and residents in flood-prone communities to identify safe evacuation centres ahead of emergencies.
The NEMA boss also encouraged communities to strengthen local preparedness measures before the peak of the rainy season.
Call for Collective Action
Umar called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and private sector operators to support flood awareness campaigns across the country.
She stressed the need for stronger risk communication and public enlightenment to reduce disaster-related losses.
Cross River Government Pledges Support
After the event, Umar paid a courtesy visit to Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, where she called for proactive flood management measures in the state.
Otu commended NEMA’s preparedness efforts and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with the agency to improve disaster response systems.
Stakeholders Attend Campaign Launch
Several stakeholders attended the campaign inauguration in Calabar, including emergency agencies, military officials, the Nigerian Red Cross, farmers’ associations, traditional institutions, and religious groups.
Flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most recurring natural disasters, with many states recording deaths, displacement, and destruction of homes and farmlands during every rainy season.
Emergency agencies have consistently advised residents in vulnerable areas to adopt preventive measures following annual forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
