Flood risk: NEMA convenes experts to prepare for 2026 climate threats

Flood risk: NEMA convenes experts to prepare for 2026 climate threats

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has convened a high-level technical meeting to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for anticipated flood risks and other climate-related disasters in 2026.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, said the initiative was part of a proactive, data-driven approach to disaster management anchored on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction.

The engagement brought together stakeholders from federal ministries, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners to assess projections and develop strategies to mitigate risks, particularly flooding.

Umar described the Seasonal Climate Prediction as a vital decision-making tool for guiding early action and preparedness at all levels of government, stressing the need for coordinated responses to emerging climate threats.

She noted that recurring flood incidents in recent years have exposed gaps in preparedness and inter-agency coordination, underscoring the urgency of improved collaboration.

According to her, disaster management must move from a reactive to a proactive model, with clear roles, timely planning and strengthened synergy among stakeholders.

Also speaking, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Godwin Tepikor, said the inclusion of the 2025 After Action Review was intended to draw lessons from past emergency responses and improve future interventions.

Representatives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency highlighted ongoing improvements in weather and flood forecasting systems, noting that the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook would further support nationwide preparedness.

Other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Defence Headquarters and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening early warning systems and coordinated emergency response mechanisms.

The meeting also reviewed findings from the 2025 After Action Review, which assessed previous disaster responses and identified areas requiring improvement.

Participants agreed on the need for a multi-sectoral approach to disaster risk management, with emphasis on early warning, preparedness and coordinated action to protect lives and livelihoods across the country.