Minna: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger has taken proactive steps by engaging stakeholders to discuss preparedness and mitigation strategies to address the anticipated flood situation in the state. This initiative aims to alleviate the impact of potential flooding through collaborative efforts.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the engagement event was part of the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2025, held in Minna. The theme of the meeting was “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response.” Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, emphasized the importance of strengthening resilience and enhancing preparedness and response to flood disasters across the country. Represented by Dr. Ishaya Chonoko, Zonal Director for the North West Zone of NEMA, she highlighted the insights received from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) regarding rainfall patterns and flood scenarios for 2025.
Mrs. Umar outlined NEMA’s plan to deploy teams to all states to engage with flood-prone communities, delivering early warning messages at the grassroots level. This effort will be supported by state Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers. She called on partners, including traditional institutions, religious organizations, women and youth groups, and the media, to support the initiative, emphasizing that disaster management requires a collective effort.
Dr. Hussaini Ibrahim, Overseeing Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), expressed optimism that the meeting would provide solutions for flood preparedness and response, aiming to save lives and property while minimizing the impact of expected flooding.
Alhaji Ahmed Yumu, Commissioner of the Ministry for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, noted that the campaign would help reduce the effects of annually recurring floods in the state. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA Minna Operations Office, Mr. Akapo Adeboye, Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), traditional leaders, and representatives from the police and army, among others.