The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is pushing for better coordination between government bodies and local stakeholders to boost disaster resilience. During the 2026 National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign in Lafia, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar emphasized that a unified approach is critical for the upcoming rainy season.
Represented by North Central Zonal Director Bintu Aliyu, the agency highlighted reports from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency. These findings label 23 states, including Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, as areas with a high risk of flooding across 132 local government zones. Umar noted that yearly flood events cause significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure, necessitating immediate, proactive measures.
To combat this, NEMA has launched the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management Preparedness and Mitigation Framework. This strategy focuses on training responders, testing evacuation protocols, and pre-positioning relief supplies. Furthermore, NEMA has reached out to community leaders and the media to help spread urgent safety warnings to vulnerable populations.
Benjamin Akwash, head of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), confirmed the state’s dedication to this cause. He cited Governor Abdullahi Sule’s efforts to train community volunteers and refine warning systems. Akwash stressed that the goal is to shift from reactive measures to consistent preparedness, with NASEMA planning targeted awareness campaigns for high-risk riverine communities.
