NEMA launches flood preparedness campaign in A’Ibom
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched its 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster Risk Reduction in Akwa Ibom State, urging stakeholders to prioritise preventive measures against flooding.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Uyo on Monday, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said disaster management agencies and stakeholders must adopt a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction rather than merely responding to emergencies.
*NEMA launches flood preparedness campaign in A’Ibom
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched its 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster Risk Reduction in Akwa Ibom State, urging stakeholders to prioritise preventive measures against flooding.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Uyo on Monday, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said disaster management agencies and stakeholders must adopt a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction rather than merely responding to emergencies.
Represented by the Zonal Director of NEMA’s South-South Directorate, Mr Eric Ebodaghe, Umar said the campaign, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” is aimed at promoting early and coordinated action to safeguard lives, livelihoods and property during the 2026 rainy season.
She noted that the theme highlights the need for stronger institutions, clearly defined responsibilities and effective collaboration among all stakeholders involved in disaster management.
“The recurring impact of flooding in Nigeria demands an urgent and collective response. Every year, lives are lost, livelihoods are disrupted, and public and private infrastructure worth billions of naira is damaged,” she said.
Umar disclosed that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) identified Akwa Ibom as one of the states facing a moderate flood risk.
She called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to extend the awareness campaign to Local Emergency Management Committees, which would, in turn, sensitise communities across the state.
The NEMA boss stressed that disaster risk reduction is significantly less costly than disaster response and recovery, urging stakeholders to take preventive action.
She also advised the state government and relevant agencies to intensify the desilting of drainage channels and relocate residents living in flood-prone areas to safer locations.
According to her, 14 of Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas have been identified as being at risk of flooding this year.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Joseph Esidem, said the state government had put measures in place to minimise the impact of flooding.
Represented by the SEMA Desk Officer, Mr Isaac Umanah, Esidem urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels, noting that such practices contribute significantly to urban flooding.
He added that Governor Umo Eno had directed the routine desilting of drains across the Uyo metropolis as part of efforts to prevent flooding.
The permanent secretary also advised residents of low-lying coastal communities to relocate temporarily to safer upland areas.
“As we launch this campaign today, let us resolve that 2026 will be the year Akwa Ibom moves from reacting to disasters to being fully prepared for them.
“Let us be known not only for our beautiful beaches and hospitality but also for being one of the most disaster-ready states in Nigeria,” he said.
