Katsina, May 19, 2026
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified preparations for the 2026 rainy season with a stakeholders’ engagement and community sensitisation programme in Katsina State focused on flood prevention and disaster readiness.
The initiative forms part of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign aimed at improving disaster risk management and reducing the impact of flooding across vulnerable communities.
Participants at the event included representatives of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), government ministries, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, community stakeholders, and the media.
Speaking at the programme, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar said the campaign is designed to encourage early action, coordination, and stronger preparedness mechanisms to safeguard lives and property during the rainy season.
She was represented by the agency’s Head of Operations, Suleiman Muhammad, who explained that the campaign theme, “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” underscores the need for effective institutions and collaboration among stakeholders in disaster management.
Umar expressed concern over recurring flood incidents across the country, referencing projections from the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which identified several high-risk locations nationwide.
She added that NEMA has developed a Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework for 2026 to guide national response efforts. The framework includes capacity building, simulation exercises, infrastructure assessments, pre-positioning of relief materials, and evacuation planning in vulnerable areas.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency, Binta Hussaini-Dangani, commended NEMA for the early engagement and noted that flooding remains a persistent challenge in the state. She also acknowledged the support of Governor Dikko Radda in assisting communities affected by previous flood incidents.
She further disclosed that the state emergency agency has already begun awareness campaigns in flood-prone communities ahead of the rains.
As part of the programme, officials conducted an outreach visit to Kwanar Are community in Rimi Local Government Area, which was identified as a high-risk area due to its proximity to Kwanar Are Dam, currently reported to be at full capacity and posing potential flood threats to surrounding settlements.