NEMA STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH BENUE-SEMA THROUGH 2026 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CAMPAIGN

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North Central Zone, has strengthened its collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) through the 2026 National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NDPRC), aimed at improving disaster response mechanisms and reducing the impact of flooding and other emergencies across vulnerable communities.

The campaign, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” was officially declared open on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, Benue-SEMA Headquarters in Makurdi.

The event brought together stakeholders from emergency management agencies, humanitarian organisations, security agencies, government institutions, and the media to discuss strategies for disaster preparedness ahead of the 2026 rainy season.

Benue-SEMA Commends NEMA for Expanding Stakeholder Engagement

Welcoming the NEMA delegation and other participants, the Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, described the engagement as timely and necessary, especially following flood alerts issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

Represented by the Head of Administration of Benue-SEMA, Dr. Donald Komgbenda K., the Executive Secretary noted that the preparedness campaign would provide a forward-looking framework for strengthening Benue State’s resilience against flood disasters and other climate-related emergencies.

He also commended NEMA for expanding stakeholder engagement and promoting stronger collaboration among agencies and organisations responsible for disaster management and humanitarian response in the state.

NEMA Calls for Stronger Collaboration and Early Action

In her keynote address, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, stated that the campaign was designed to encourage early and coordinated actions aimed at protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure during the 2026 rainy season.

The Director-General, who was represented by the Director of NEMA North Central Zone, Dr. Adibiyi Babatunde Rozak, explained that the campaign theme highlights the urgent need for stronger institutions, proactive disaster governance, and clearer responsibilities among stakeholders at all levels.

She stressed that effective disaster preparedness can only be achieved through collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian organisations, local communities, and development partners.

Makurdi and Guma Identified as High Flood Risk Areas

According to the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook released by NiMet and NIHSA, 23 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), covering 132 Local Government Areas, have been classified as high flood risk zones.

The report also identified 14 states with 148 Local Government Areas as moderate-risk flood zones for the 2026 rainy season.

In Benue State, Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas were specifically identified as communities likely to experience severe flooding during the rainy season, requiring urgent preparedness and mitigation measures.

Officials at the event emphasized the need for communities within these areas to remain vigilant and comply with safety advisories issued by emergency management authorities.

NEMA Unveils 2026 Risk Management Framework

Speaking on measures being taken to reduce the impact of flooding, the NEMA Director-General disclosed that the agency had developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework in response to the flood forecasts.

She highlighted several key strategies contained in the framework, including capacity building for emergency responders, strict adherence to rainfall and flood advisories, and the prepositioning of relief materials in vulnerable communities.

Other strategies include the development and testing of community evacuation plans to improve emergency response during flood disasters.

Technical Session Highlights Flood Risk Reduction Strategies

Earlier during the programme, the Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer of NEMA, Dr. Igue Terungwa, delivered a technical presentation on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook.

He revealed that about 50 percent success had been recorded in flood risk reduction efforts in Makurdi and Agatu during the 2024 and 2025 flood seasons.

Dr. Terungwa further explained that the 2026 flood outlook identified Makurdi and Guma as high-risk communities requiring immediate preparedness efforts and coordinated mitigation strategies.

He outlined several measures aimed at reducing flood risks, including strengthening early warning systems, improving infrastructure resilience, and stockpiling emergency supplies such as food, water, and non-food items (NFIs).

He also emphasized the importance of community resilience through awareness campaigns, training programmes, and improved disaster response coordination.

In addition, he recommended the planting of improved crop varieties and the effective use of agricultural extension services to help farming communities reduce the impact of flooding on agricultural activities.

Stakeholders Express Commitment to Collaboration

The programme attracted participants from the Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), UNHCR, UNICEF, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and media organisations.

The event also featured interactive question-and-answer sessions where participants discussed disaster preparedness challenges and possible solutions for vulnerable communities across Benue State.

Participants expressed their readiness to strengthen collaboration with NEMA and Benue-SEMA in mitigating the impact of flooding and other disasters through coordinated response efforts, public awareness campaigns, and community-based preparedness initiatives.