Calabar, May 14, 2026
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a nationwide campaign in Calabar aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and reducing fatalities linked to emergencies in 2026.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, spoke at the flag-off of the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2026, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria.”
She explained that the initiative is designed to promote early action and coordinated response measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods, especially during the rainy season in vulnerable communities across the country.
Umar noted that flooding continues to cause widespread destruction annually, damaging infrastructure, displacing communities and disrupting economic activities.
She referenced agency figures showing that floods claimed 241 lives in 2025, a decline from 321 deaths recorded in 2024.
The same data indicated that 433,578 people were affected in 2025, while 144,790 were displaced, 839 injured, 52,592 houses damaged, and 74,767 acres of farmland destroyed.
According to her, the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Flood Outlook identified 33 states, including Cross River State and the Federal Capital Territory, as high-risk flood zones.
Umar said NEMA had convened an expert review session in April to analyse projections and develop strategies aimed at reducing the impact of flooding across the country.
She urged state governments and residents in flood-prone areas to map out evacuation routes in advance and improve local preparedness mechanisms.
The NEMA boss also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and private sector actors to support public awareness campaigns on disaster risk reduction.
During the visit, she paid a courtesy call on Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, where she stressed the importance of proactive measures in managing flood risks.
Governor Otu commended the agency’s efforts and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with NEMA to strengthen emergency response systems.
The event in Calabar was attended by representatives of emergency response agencies, the military, the Nigerian Red Cross, farmers’ groups, as well as traditional and religious institutions.