Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has alerted the nation that 23 States of Nigeria are facing what she called “severe flooding” in this year’s rainy season.
She quoted NiMet as having identified 23 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, as high flood-risk areas in 2026.
Speaking at a collaborative effort of the Agency with the Delta State Government in Asaba today, May 27, Zubaida said that the states that are expected to experience severe flooding during the rainy season covered 132 local government areas.
Zubaida, who was represented at the event by the South-South Zonal Director of the Agency, Eric Ebhodaghe, said that over 14,000 communities across 266 local government areas nationwide fell within high flood-risk zones.
The report projected severe flooding in parts of Isoko North, Patani, Ndokwa East, Bomadi, Ughelli North and Oshimili South during the early rainy season.
“Communities in Burutu, Warri North, Warri South and Aniocha South are expected to face heightened flood threats between July and September.,”
She advised residents in flood-prone communities to remain vigilant, while stakeholders were urged to strengthen communication, preparedness and coordinated disaster response mechanisms.
She stressed the need for effective disaster risk governance, which she said required stronger institutions, clearly defined responsibilities and sustained collaboration among all levels of government.
“Beyond this engagement, NEMA is deploying technical teams to states across the federation for direct community outreach.”
She said that state governments are expected to support the outreach and sensitisation programmes.
The representative of SAHEL Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd., Nelson Abudah, said that the organisation joined the campaign to improve information dissemination on flooding nationwide.
Stakeholders at the event stressed the need for coordinated action, improved early warning systems and stronger grassroots preparedness to reduce the impact of disasters.
This was even as the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Ejiro Etacherure, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to stronger collaboration with the Federal government and development partners.
He said that the partnership would enhance disaster risk governance across the 25 local government areas of the state.
Etacherure said that climate change, environmental degradation and extreme weather conditions are increasing the occurrence and severity of disasters across the country.
“Disasters are no longer distant possibilities. They are present, recurring and evolving threats to lives, livelihoods and national development.”
The commissioner noted that flooding in riverine communities, erosion in upland areas, public health emergencies and urban fire outbreaks remained growing concerns.
He disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is increasing investments in early warning systems and strengthening the State Emergency Management Agency in the state.
According to him, the state government is working closely with local government areas, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to build grassroots resilience.
