The Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency have launched the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards, warning that parts of Sokoto State remain vulnerable to flooding during the current rainy season.
The campaign was inaugurated on June 16, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement on imminent flooding 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, who represented the Special Adviser overseeing the agency, Aminu Bodinga, stressed the need for proactive measures to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure from flood-related disasters.
He noted that recurring floods in recent years had destroyed homes, farmlands, roads and other socio-economic assets, leaving many vulnerable residents struggling to recover.
Junaidu said forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency indicated the likelihood of significant rainfall and flooding in parts of the country this year, making preparedness and mitigation efforts essential.
According to him, effective disaster management depends on ensuring that early warning information reaches communities promptly and in a language they 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 said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by the agency’s 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.
Umar warned that the July-to-September period would be the most critical phase of the rainy season, with a possible overflow of the River Rima posing a threat to riverside communities, farmlands and critical infrastructure.
She explained that NEMA’s 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework was developed following a review of seasonal forecasts issued by NiMet and NIHSA.
According to her, the framework focuses on strengthening local emergency response capacity, conducting simulation exercises, enforcing compliance with flood advisories, pre-positioning relief materials, assessing vulnerable infrastructure and developing community evacuation plans.
She urged all stakeholders to play active roles in disaster risk reduction, stressing that flood preparedness should not be left solely to government agencies.
“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 engagement brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and media practitioners to strengthen coordination and improve flood preparedness across Sokoto State.
The programme received support from SAHEL Agriculture and Nutrition Consultant.
