NEMA kicks off flood disaster preparedness campaign in Akwa Ibom 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced sensitisation of stakeholders in Akwa Ibom on preparedness and response to flood disaster to ensure risk reduction in 2026.

Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, during the flag-off in Uyo, said there was a need for stakeholders in disaster management to be proactive rather than responsive.

The theme of the campaign is; Strengthening “Disaster Risk Governance For A Resilient Nigeria.”

Umar, represented by Mr Eric Ebodaghe, Zonal Director, South South Directorate said the campaign was designed to drive early and coordinated action to protect lives and property during the 2026 rainy season.

She said the theme underscores the need for stronger institutions, clearer responsibilities and proactive collaboration among stakeholders.

“The recurrent impact of flooding in Nigeria demands an urgent and collective response.

“Each year, lives are lost, livelihoods are disrupted, and public and private infrastructure worth billions of naira are damaged,” Umar said.

According to her, the 2026 seasonal climate prediction and annual flood outlook released by the Nigerian Metrological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services said that Akwa Ibom was among the moderate risk states.

She called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to scale down the campaigns to the Local Emergency Management Committees, who would in turn scale down to communities.

The NEMA DG urged stakeholders to be proactive on disaster reduction, stressing that disaster reduction was far cheaper than disaster response.

She called on SEMA to take proactive measures by distilling drainage, relocate those in flood prone areas to safer zones.

She said that 14 out of the 31 LGAs in Akwa Ibom had been predicted to experience flooding this year.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, Mr Joseph Esidem, said that the state government had prepared to ensure reduction in flood disaster this year.

Esidem, represented by Mr Isaac Umanah, SEMA Desk Officer, urged citizens to avoid dumping waste into drainage

He added that the state governor had ordered routine desilting of side drains across Uyo metropolis to avoid flooding.

The permanent secretary said that residents in low-lying coastal areas were told to move to upland areas.

“As we flag-off this campaign today, let us make a pact that 2026 will be the year Akwa Ibom moved from reacting to disaster to being ready for them.

“Let us be known not just for our beautiful beaches and hospitality, but for being the most disaster ready state in Nigeria,” he said