The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency has commenced a flood preparedness and response campaign for 2026, warning residents of vulnerable communities to remain alert during the ongoing rainy season.
The campaign was launched during a stakeholders’ meeting on flood risk awareness and the dissemination of early warning messages held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies in Sokoto.
Representing the Special Adviser in charge of SEMA, Aminu Bodinga, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Junaidu, said the initiative was aimed at protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure from the impact of flooding.
According to him, recurring floods in the state have continued to damage homes, farmlands and public infrastructure, affecting the livelihoods of many residents.
“Sokoto State has experienced various degrees of flooding in recent years, leading to the destruction of houses, farmlands, roads and other socio-economic assets, thereby affecting the livelihoods of vulnerable members of society,” Junaidu said.
He noted that forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency indicated the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding in several parts of the country, making proactive measures necessary.
Junaidu stressed the importance of ensuring that early warning information reaches communities promptly and in languages they can easily understand.
“We must ensure that early warning messages reach communities in a timely and understandable manner. Local government authorities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community-based organisations and the media all have critical roles to play in intensifying awareness campaigns on flood prevention and preparedness,” he added.
Also speaking, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Head of Operations in Sokoto, Tukur Abubakar, disclosed that 132 local government areas across Nigeria have been classified as high flood-risk zones, while 148 LGAs in 14 states fall within moderate-risk areas.
She identified Goronyo, Gudu, Kebbe, Kware, Sabon Birni, Silame, Sokoto North and Wamakko local government areas as particularly vulnerable to flooding in Sokoto State.
“The July-to-September period remains the most critical phase of the rainy season. There is a possibility of overflow from the River Rima, which could threaten riverside communities, farmlands and critical infrastructure,” Umar warned.
She explained that NEMA’s 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework was developed using seasonal climate predictions from NiMet and NIHSA.
According to her, the framework focuses on strengthening emergency response systems, conducting simulation exercises, positioning relief materials ahead of emergencies, assessing vulnerable infrastructure and preparing evacuation plans for at-risk communities.
Umar called for collective action in reducing flood-related disasters, emphasizing that flood preparedness should not be left to government agencies alone.
“Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires a whole-of-society approach. Traditional rulers, religious organisations, women and youth groups, the media and private sector stakeholders must support the dissemination of early warning messages and preparedness measures,” she said.
The event brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, civil society groups and media practitioners to enhance coordination and strengthen flood preparedness efforts across the state.
The programme received support from SAHEL Agriculture and Nutrition Consultant.
