From Staff Writer
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up efforts to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding across Nigeria through a comprehensive early warning system and community-focused disaster risk strategies.
Speaking at a Stakeholders Engagement on the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards held in Benin City, the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said the agency has mapped out disaster-prone communities and developed flood Vulnerability Maps for each to aid government planning and risk reduction.
“These maps serve as critical tools to guide all levels of government in developing effective measures to avert disaster-related losses during the rainy season,” Umar stated.
He noted that as part of the early warning framework, NEMA has identified key disaster risk management implications linked to this year’s weather forecasts, including delayed onset and cessation of rains, shorter growing seasons, severe dry spells of up to 21 days in some regions, and above-normal rainfall patterns. Warmer temperatures beyond long-term averages were also highlighted.
“These conditions are expected to significantly impact multiple socio-economic sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transportation, telecommunications, water supply, education, security, and the general wellbeing of citizens,” Umar explained.
To counter these challenges, the agency has introduced a suite of mitigation strategies. These include capacity building for local emergency responders, simulation exercises, and initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, irrigation support, and timely vaccination of livestock. Farmers are advised to align their planting schedules with forecasted rainfall patterns, while communities are urged to prepare evacuation plans and desilt drainages and waterways.
NEMA is also advocating for structural integrity checks on critical infrastructure, the strengthening of grassroots information-sharing systems, and increased security and surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Umar added that the campaign would extend beyond the conference room, with field teams set to visit at-risk communities, delivering early warning messages in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers.
Also speaking at the event, Kenoma Ojuederie, Head of NEMA Operations in Benin, emphasised the importance of unity in disaster management. “This gathering reflects our collective resolve to enhance the resilience of communities in Edo State and across the country, particularly in the face of rising flood threats,” he said.
“Flooding remains a grave threat, causing loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods. NEMA, in line with its mandate, is working relentlessly to strengthen preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies,” Ojuederie added.
He underscored the importance of inclusive participation, noting that effective disaster response hinges on the collaboration of local communities, government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
The Stakeholders Engagement forms part of NEMA’s broader commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive and inclusive disaster management.
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