The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has once again demonstrated its pivotal role in safeguarding Nigerians from climate-related disasters as its detailed briefing to the National Economic Council (NEC) has led to the approval of ₦139.5 billion in special intervention funds to combat looming flood threats across the country.
During the 150th NEC meeting held on Thursday in Abuja, NEMA, under the leadership of Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, provided a comprehensive update on the current flood situation nationwide and presented its 2025 Flood Preparedness and Response Strategy. The high-level engagement, which brought together state governors and key federal stakeholders, culminated in a landmark resolution: the disbursement of emergency funds to all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and relevant Ministries and Agencies.
As endorsed by NEC, each of the 36 states and the FCT will receive ₦3 billion, while the Federal Ministries of Environment, Budget and National Planning, and Water Resources and Sanitation are to receive ₦1.5 billion each. NEMA, in its central coordinating role, has been allocated ₦10 billion to scale up operational readiness and nationwide coordination efforts.
This sweeping intervention, analysts say, was significantly shaped by the data-driven advocacy and policy guidance offered by NEMA’s leadership. In recent months, the Agency has intensified its early warning campaigns, state-level engagements, and stakeholder consultations in anticipation of extreme weather conditions forecasted for the rainy season. The NEC invitation provided an opportunity for the DG to synthesize these efforts into a clear and actionable presentation—one that helped galvanize national consensus and executive commitment.
During her presentation, Mrs. Zubaida Umar highlighted emerging flood hotspots, outlined the preparedness gaps at subnational levels, and recommended targeted responses. She stressed the urgency of activating Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), enforcing building codes, and investing in drainage infrastructure to limit the impact of floods on lives and livelihoods.
More importantly, she emphasized that flood preparedness must be seen not as a seasonal activity, but as a continuous responsibility that demands strong intergovernmental collaboration. Her message struck a chord with the Council, particularly her call for States to reinvigorate their Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), many of which remain underfunded or structurally inactive.
Following the briefing, the Vice President and Chairman of the NEC, Senator Kashim Shettima, announced the Council’s resolution, describing the intervention as both urgent and strategic. He lauded NEMA for its clarity of purpose and technical depth in shaping the national flood response agenda.
Although the disbursement of funds is a critical milestone, experts caution that implementation at the state level must be closely monitored. In this regard, NEMA has committed to working closely with SEMAs and other relevant bodies to ensure that interventions are timely, transparent, and impactful. Already, the Agency has begun refining its coordination frameworks to support efficient use of the funds, while also enhancing its flood response logistics, including prepositioning of relief items and deployment of assessment teams.
The ₦139.5 billion package is expected to support a wide range of response activities—from emergency evacuation and shelter provision to rehabilitation of flood-hit infrastructure and restoration of basic services. States prone to perennial flooding such as Jigawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Kogi are expected to prioritize preventive measures with these funds, guided by NEMA’s technical recommendations.
This development also marks a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to disaster management, where empirical data and proactive leadership are beginning to drive government policy. Under Zubaida Umar’s watch, NEMA has steadily repositioned itself as a results-driven institution that balances coordination with innovation.
As climate change continues to amplify the risks facing vulnerable populations, NEMA’s role remains central. The Agency has reiterated that the window to act is narrow, and that every tier of government must now shift from reactive to preventive strategies.
The coming weeks will be crucial. As flood forecasts peak in August and September, the true impact of this intervention will be measured not only by the funds disbursed, but by the lives saved and communities protected.
