NEMA launches aggressive response campaign in Nasarawa as 2025 predictions raise alarm

With rainfall intensifying and flood warnings mounting across Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), launched the National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Thursday, May 29, in Lafia.

The campaign, aimed at tackling the looming flood threat in Nasarawa State, is part of a broader national effort to improve prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response to flood disasters. Speaking during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement, NEMA Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar—represented by Mr. Aliyu Waziri, Director of NEMA’s North Central Zonal Directorate—outlined the critical goals of the NPRC.

“The campaign is designed to minimize the annual impact of floods, protect livelihoods, and promote socio-economic development in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

Umar noted that recurring floods have continued to inflict widespread damage on lives, property, and infrastructure across the country. She emphasized that this year’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook, released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), shows that several communities are at significant risk.

“We have developed vulnerability maps for communities at risk to help guide the government in formulating effective risk reduction measures. Public and private institutions, humanitarian agencies, schools, and youth organizations are encouraged to utilize these tools to support NEMA’s efforts,” she added.

As part of its expanded strategy, NEMA is rolling out a series of disaster mitigation initiatives including:

• Training local emergency responders

• Conducting simulation drills

• Monitoring rainfall timelines

• Desilting drainage systems

• Testing infrastructure integrity

• Planning evacuation routes

• Promoting community information sharing

• Enhancing safety and surveillance operations

Barrister Benjamin Akwash, Director General of NASEMA, expressed gratitude for the campaign and reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to disaster readiness. He praised Governor Abdullahi Sule’s support and urged all stakeholders to take the warnings seriously.

“I want to thank NEMA for this initiative. I urge all stakeholders to participate actively to ensure proper preparedness for the 2025 flood predictions, especially as Nasarawa is one of the high-risk states,” Akwash said.

Chief Search and Rescue Officer Mrs. Bernadette Obaje delivered a comprehensive presentation on the NPRC, underlining the importance of early warnings, coordinated action, and holistic disaster planning.

The event’s high point was a public awareness campaign held at Gandu Community, Federal University, Lafia, focusing on flood and fire disaster preparedness. The campaign brought together a wide array of participants, including the police, fire service, Department of State Services (DSS), and vice chairmen from all 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State.

As Nigeria braces for another potentially devastating flood season, officials say proactive planning and unified action will be essential to saving lives and protecting communities.