NEMA Identifies South South as Nigeria's Flood Hotspot

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has declared the South South region as the worst-hit area by flooding in Nigeria. Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of NEMA, made this announcement during the launch of the 2026 National Preparedness Response Campaign for flood disasters in Calabar, Cross River State, on Thursday.

Umar noted that the South South region is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its coastal location, high rainfall intensity, and poor drainage infrastructure, exacerbated by climate change. She stressed the importance of early action to prevent and mitigate the effects of flooding, especially in flood-prone communities.

NEMA is developing a 2026 climate-related risk management framework to provide structured guidance for reducing flood impacts nationwide. Strategies include capacity building, adherence to rainfall and flood advisories, and community evacuation plans.

Umar expressed optimism about strengthening preparedness to safeguard livelihoods and support the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Bassey Otu commended NEMA for its proactive disaster preparedness efforts.