ABUJA — As Nigeria anticipates the annual rainy season and associated natural hazards, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed personnel across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for a nationwide community sensitization campaign aimed at bolstering grassroots disaster preparedness.
The campaign, which commenced this week, is designed to raise public awareness on flood risks, fire safety, disease outbreaks, and other environmental threats, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable communities. According to the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the move is part of a proactive national strategy to minimize disaster impacts and ensure early response across the federation.
“We are not waiting for disasters to happen before taking action,” Mrs. Umar stated in Abuja. “Our teams are currently engaging local leaders, religious institutions, schools, markets, and community-based organizations to share lifesaving information and distribute preparedness materials. We are emphasizing prevention and early warning.
The agency is also working closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to translate seasonal climate forecasts into community-level advisories. According to NiMet’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction, several states are expected to experience above-normal rainfall, raising the likelihood of flash floods and riverine inundation.
NEMA called on state governments and local emergency committees to activate their response structures and invest in localized early warning systems. The agency stressed that while the federal government continues to support states during emergencies, timely intervention at the sub-national level remains critical for reducing fatalities and economic losses.
In addition, the agency advised residents living along flood plains and waterways to relocate temporarily where possible and avoid risky behaviors during the rainy season. Motorists were cautioned against driving through flooded roads, while communities were urged to keep drainage channels clear.
As part of its public outreach, NEMA has also intensified radio jingles, townhall meetings, and training programs aimed at building community resilience and promoting a culture of safety.
With climate change amplifying the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national disaster preparedness through coordination, technology, and public education.
