NEMA, Kogi Government Strengthen Partnership on Flood Preparedness
LOKOJA – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Kogi State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on flood preparedness and disaster response ahead of the peak of the 2026 rainy season.
The renewed partnership was announced following a meeting between the Head of NEMA’s Abuja Operations Office, Zakari Abubakar, and Kogi State Deputy Governor Salifu Oyibo at the Government House in Lokoja.
According to a statement issued by NEMA, the meeting focused on improving disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination and flood risk reduction across communities vulnerable to seasonal flooding.
Abubakar said NEMA remains committed to working closely with the Kogi State Government and other stakeholders to improve early warning systems, enhance emergency preparedness and promote community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives.
He stressed that effective disaster management requires strong collaboration among government agencies, security organisations, humanitarian partners, traditional institutions, the media and local communities.
The NEMA official also called for sustained public awareness campaigns, prompt dissemination of early warning information, strategic deployment of emergency response resources and coordinated evacuation plans for communities most at risk.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Kogi State in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure from the impact of flooding.
Responding, Deputy Governor Oyibo commended NEMA and its Director-General, Zubaida Umar, for the agency’s continued support through flood preparedness campaigns, emergency response interventions and capacity-building programmes.
He described NEMA as a dependable partner in the state’s disaster management efforts and pledged the Kogi State Government’s continued cooperation in implementing flood mitigation measures, strengthening emergency response systems and ensuring timely assistance reaches vulnerable communities.
The statement noted that the engagement forms part of broader efforts to deepen inter-agency cooperation and enhance disaster preparedness in states identified as being at high risk of flooding.
Kogi is among the states considered highly vulnerable to flooding due to its location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, making coordinated preparedness and response efforts essential during the rainy season.
