By Barbara Nwaiwu
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 17 local government areas and 148 communities in Jigawa State as moderate flood risk zones in the 2026 rainy season outlook, urging residents and stakeholders to strengthen preparedness measures against possible flooding.
The agency disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement and the launch of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards held in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
Speaking at the event, NEMA Director-General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, represented by the agency’s North-West Zonal Director, Mr. Aliyu Shehu, said the identified local government areas are Auyo, Birniwa, Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Guri, Gwaram, Hadejia, Jahun, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama, Kirikasamma, Kiyawa, Maigatari, Malam Madori, Miga, Ringim and Taura.
Umar stressed the importance of continuous public awareness, close monitoring of weather forecasts and flood advisories, as well as community level preparedness throughout the rainy season.
According to her, projections contained in the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) 2026 Annual Flood Outlook indicate the likelihood of delayed rainfall in some locations, shorter growing seasons, prolonged dry spells, periods of intense rainfall and rising temperatures.
“Our assessment indicates that 17 local government areas and 148 communities in Jigawa have been identified as moderate flood risk areas requiring heightened preparedness and early actions.”
“This is because these climate-related risks have implications on agriculture, water resources, public health, transportation, education and economic activities across the state,” she said.
She revealed that the agency has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework to guide coordinated disaster management efforts across the country.
She called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local authorities, community leaders, the media and other critical stakeholders to support the dissemination of early warning information to vulnerable communities.
Umar also warned residents against building on waterways and dumping refuse into drainage channels, while urging them to remain vigilant throughout the rainy season.
“Communities in identified risk areas should familiarise themselves with evaluation routes and heed official warnings whenever issued.”
“It is also my expectation that today’s engagement will strengthen preparedness, enhance coordination among stakeholders, reduce disaster risks and protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across Jigawa,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Hannafi Yakubu, said the engagement underscored the need for proactive measures to reduce disaster risks and improve resilience among communities.
Yakubu disclosed that the state government had procured 20 speedboats and local canoes to support evacuation operations and emergency response activities in vulnerable communities.
He added that the agency would soon commence intensive sensitisation campaigns in coastal communities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“The gesture is aimed at mobilising residents and other stakeholders with a view to finding ways to reduce the impact of any disaster,” he said.
The event was attended by representatives of security agencies, the ministries of environment, humanitarian affairs, education and health, as well as officials of the Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other stakeholders.
