The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has urged state and local government authorities, as well as other critical stakeholders, to scale up preparedness and response activities following the flood warning alert recently issued to communities along rivers and flood-prone areas.
Mrs. Umar explained that NEMA, under her leadership, has already embarked on a series of proactive initiatives to strengthen national readiness against the looming threat of floods. These include the development and circulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for flood response, the conduct of community-based simulation exercises across frontline states, and the training of first responders and volunteers to ensure rapid deployment when necessary.
In addition, NEMA has worked with partners such as the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to disseminate seasonal climate prediction and flood outlook reports to state governments, enabling them to plan ahead. Relief materials have also been prepositioned in strategic warehouses across the six geo-political zones for quick mobilization in case of emergencies.
To deepen preparedness at the grassroots, NEMA has facilitated the activation of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), supported states in developing contingency plans, and conducted extensive public awareness campaigns in high-risk communities. Simulation drills organized by NEMA have provided state and local actors with hands-on experience in evacuation, search and rescue, and camp management.
Mrs. Umar stressed that while these measures demonstrate NEMA’s commitment, effective disaster risk reduction requires states and local governments to take ownership. “We have provided the tools, guidelines, and simulations to guide stakeholders. It is now vital that state and local governments replicate these strategies within their jurisdictions to protect lives and livelihoods,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for increased vigilance, urging stakeholders to:
Conduct regular sensitization and evacuation drills in vulnerable communities.
Stockpile essential relief items closer to high-risk areas.
Strengthen communication channels for early warnings.
Mobilize community leaders and traditional institutions for grassroots participation.
The DG called on residents of flood-prone communities to heed warnings, avoid risky behavior, and cooperate with authorities during evacuations. “Preparedness and timely action remain our strongest weapons against flooding,” she added.
With these ongoing efforts, Mrs. Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with federal, state, and local institutions to mitigate the impact of floods, safeguard communities, and build resilience in line with global best practices in disaster management.
22.08.2025
Abdulkdir Ibrahim
Chief Information officer NEMA Abuja operations office
