NEMA Urges Flood Risk Reduction

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on communities affected by flooding to adopt better environmental practices and implement disaster risk reduction measures, describing this approach as part of a new national response framework. The agency emphasized that proactive prevention and preparedness should guide how communities handle recurring climate-related disasters.

The call was made by NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, during a recent relief distribution exercise in the Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas of Cross River State. Umar, represented at the event by Victor Akpakpan, Head of Relief and Rehabilitation at NEMA’s Uyo Operations Office, highlighted the importance of integrating preventive strategies into community responses. She stressed that responsible waste management, proper drainage maintenance, and adherence to early warning alerts are critical steps that can reduce losses and save lives when floods occur.

Speaking to residents, Umar expressed sympathy for those affected by flooding earlier this year, noting that the relief efforts aim not only to cushion the impact but also to support the recovery of communities that have suffered substantial disruption. The distribution included essential food items, such as 300 bags each of rice and garri, 150 cartons of spaghetti, vegetable oil, tomato paste, seasoning, and iodized salt. Beneficiaries were observed leaving the distribution centers with visible relief, appreciative of the assistance after months of displacement and the disruption of their livelihoods.

Representing the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Godwin Offiono expressed gratitude to both the Federal Government and NEMA for the timely intervention. He highlighted the severe consequences of the recent rainy season, which destroyed homes, roads, and farmlands, exacerbating food insecurity among vulnerable rural populations. While he acknowledged the relief as timely and necessary, Offiono stressed that continued support is crucial for rebuilding livelihoods and enhancing resilience against future flooding events.

Igbang Ebiamu, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, also commended the Federal Government, NEMA, and the Cross River State Government for the assistance, describing it as a “lifeline” for households struggling to recover. He further appealed for additional support, including shelter, farming inputs, and tools, to enable victims to restart agricultural activities and restore their means of living.

Umar reiterated that this relief exercise reflects a broader shift toward proactive disaster management in Nigeria. Rather than solely responding to emergencies, NEMA and the Federal Government are promoting a strategy that encourages communities to engage in environmental stewardship and adopt measures that mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters. By emphasizing prevention, preparedness, and early action, authorities hope to reduce the impact of floods and other natural hazards, safeguarding lives and property across the country.

The Ogoja and Yala intervention demonstrates how combining coordinated relief with proactive risk-reduction measures can aid recovery while boosting communities’ resilience to future disasters. Both officials and residents stressed the need for continuous support, showing that effective disaster management relies on immediate aid alongside long-term preventive strategies.