By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) 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.
Speaking during the flag-off the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said the campaign was aimed at promoting early and coordinated actions to safeguard lives and livelihoods during the 2026 rainy season noting that the South South region remains one of the most flood-prone areas in the country due to its coastal location, heavy rainfall, overflowing river systems, poor drainage infrastructure and the growing effects of climate change.
According to her, the recurring floods in the region have continued to cause displacement of residents, destruction of farmlands and disruption of economic activities stressing the importance of early preparedness and proactive response measures to mitigate the anticipated flooding across vulnerable communities in the region calling on traditional rulers, religious organisations, women and youth groups, media practitioners, private sector operators and other stakeholders to support the agency in disseminating early warning information to residents.
“Disaster management is everyone’s responsibility,” she said disclosing that NEMA had developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to provide strategic guidance for reducing the impact of floods nationwide.
She further listed some of the mitigation strategies to include capacity building for local responders, simulation and tabletop exercises, strict compliance with rainfall and flood advisories, regular clearing of drainage systems and waterways, as well as the development and testing of community evacuation plans revealing that through NEMA’s Flood Early Warning System, the agency had identified risk profiles and designed tailored mitigation measures for communities considered vulnerable to flooding.
She added that vulnerability maps had also been produced to assist federal, state and local governments in effective risk reduction planning.
According to her, NEMA would deploy technical teams to all states of the federation for community sensitisation and direct engagement, in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies, Local Emergency Management Committees and community volunteers.
Umar expressed optimism that the campaign would strengthen disaster preparedness, reduce the impact of annual flooding and protect livelihoods across the country.
As part of activities marking the campaign, the NEMA Director-General paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, where she urged the state government to intensify proactive flood management measures.
Responding, Governor Otu commended NEMA for its proactive disaster preparedness initiatives and assured the agency of the state government’s continued collaboration in strengthening emergency response mechanisms.