NEMA Urges Benue to Enhance Flood Preparedness Measures

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on the Benue state government to bolster its preparedness and response strategies for flooding. This advice was issued by NEMA's Director-General, Zubaida Umar, during a flood response simulation exercise held in Makurdi, with Usman Bature, NEMA’s director of search and rescue, representing her.

Umar noted that Benue is particularly susceptible to flooding due to its topography, extensive river systems, floodplains, seasonal rainfall, and settlements along the River Benue and its tributaries. She highlighted the 2026 flood outlook, which stresses the importance of sustained preparedness, effective early warning systems, coordinated responses, and timely evacuations for residents in vulnerable areas.

Umar stated that the exercise was not just a demonstration but a crucial opportunity to test the efficiency of moving from early warning to community action and federal support as emergencies escalate. This simulation occurred shortly after a warning from the Federal Ministry of Environment regarding potential flooding in several Benue communities between August 15 and 28.