2026 Flood Alert: Sokoto and NEMA Begin Preparedness Campaign
By Animashaun Salman
The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has commenced the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards, cautioning residents that several parts of the state remain susceptible to flooding during the ongoing rainy season.
The campaign was officially launched on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement forum on impending floods and the dissemination of early warning messages held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies Auditorium in Sokoto.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of Sokoto SEMA, Prof. Abubakar Junaidu, represented by the Special Adviser in charge of the agency, Aminu Bodinga, stressed the importance of taking preventive measures to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure from the impact of flooding.
Junaidu noted that recurring floods in recent years have caused significant destruction across the state, affecting homes, farmlands, roads, and other economic assets while disrupting the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
According to him, seasonal forecasts released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) point to the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the country, underscoring the need for preparedness and mitigation efforts.
He emphasized that successful disaster management depends largely on ensuring that early warning information reaches residents promptly and in a language they can easily understand.
“Timely and clear communication of early warning messages is crucial. Local government councils, traditional and religious leaders, community-based organisations, and the media must intensify public awareness campaigns on flood prevention and preparedness,” he said.
Also addressing participants, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the agency’s Sokoto Head of Operations, Tukur Abubakar, disclosed that 132 local government areas nationwide have been identified as high-risk flood zones, while another 148 LGAs in 14 states fall within moderate-risk categories.
She identified several Sokoto communities as particularly vulnerable, including Goronyo, Gudu, Kebbe, Kware, Sabon Birni, Silame, Sokoto North, and Wamakko local government areas.
Umar warned that the period between July and September remains the peak of the rainy season and could bring heightened flood threats, particularly from possible overflow of the River Rima, which may affect riverside settlements, agricultural lands, and critical infrastructure.
She explained that NEMA’s 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework was developed following a review of seasonal climate forecasts issued by NiMet and NIHSA.
The framework, she said, focuses on improving emergency response capacity at the local level, conducting simulation exercises, enforcing compliance with flood advisories, pre-positioning relief materials, evaluating vulnerable infrastructure, and establishing evacuation plans for at-risk communities.
Umar further called for collective action in reducing disaster risks, stressing that flood preparedness should not be the responsibility of government agencies alone.
“Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires the involvement of everyone. Traditional institutions, religious bodies, women and youth groups, media organisations, and private sector stakeholders all have important roles to play in spreading early warning messages and promoting preparedness measures,” she said.
The event brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, development partners, civil society groups, and media practitioners to enhance coordination and strengthen flood preparedness efforts across Sokoto State.
The programme received support from SAHEL Agriculture and Nutrition Consultant.