03/06/2026
*NEMA FLAGS OFF 2026 FLOOD PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE CAMPAIGN IN KOGI STATE*
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) flagged off the 2026 Flood Preparedness and Response Campaign in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The event featured Stakeholders engagement, aimed at sensitizing KOSEMA, Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), other critical disaster response agencies across the state on the implications of 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook released by NiMET and NIHSA respectively; with a view to effectively prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of flooding and other related disaster risks.
The programme brought together representatives of Local Government Areas, traditional institutions, security agencies, humanitarian organizations, community leaders, media organizations, and relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Representing the Director General of NEMA, the North Central Zonal Director, Mr. Adebiyi Babatunde Razak, delivered the keynote address. He informed participants that ten Local Government Areas in Kogi State have been identified as flood-prone based on the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook. He disclosed that NEMA had convened an Expert Review Meeting to assess the implications of the forecast and develop appropriate preparedness measures.
According to him, analysis of the forecast indicated potential challenges arising from delayed and erratic rainfall patterns, which are expected to affect critical sectors including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, energy, education, water supply, and overall public wellbeing. He further stated that in response to these projections, NEMA has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework, which provides a structured guide for reducing flood risks and impacts nationwide.
Discussions focused on strengthening early warning dissemination, community-based disaster risk reduction strategies, evacuation planning, emergency coordination mechanisms, and the critical role of Local Emergency Management Committees in disaster preparedness and response.
The Head NEMA Abuja Operations Office (H,AOO) Pharm. Zakari Abubakar delivered a presentation on Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction Strategies, highlighting the outcomes of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction for Kogi State. The presentation emphasized proactive measures, community participation, early warning systems, and coordinated stakeholder actions required to minimize the impact of flooding on lives and livelihoods.
Stakeholders also deliberated on the need for improved collaboration among response agencies, continuous public awareness campaigns, identification and management of safe evacuation centres, protection of vulnerable populations, and the establishment of functional emergency communication channels at the grassroots level.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening disaster management structures within their respective communities and pledged to support coordinated preparedness and response activities throughout the flood season.
Stakeholders present at the engagement included the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ministry of Environment, State Ministry of Health (SMOH), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Nigeria Police Force, The Nigerian Navy, Federal Fire Service, State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), media outlets, Local Government Authorities, traditional rulers, community-based organizations, and other humanitarian partners.
Conclusion
The stakeholders' engagement provided a valuable platform for strengthening coordination and building the capacity of Local Emergency Management Committees in Kogi State. The programme enhanced stakeholders' understanding of their roles and responsibilities in flood preparedness and response, while reinforcing the importance of community participation and inter-agency collaboration in achieving a resilient disaster management system. Participants resolved to sustain regular engagement, strengthen early warning systems, and implement proactive measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding on lives and livelihoods across the state.
*NEMA,AOO*
02.06.2026

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