The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has flagged 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Niger State as high-risk for flooding ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ engagement in Minna during the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC), themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Community in Nigeria.” The identified LGAs include Agaie, Bida, Borgu, Edati, Gbako, Katcha, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mashegu, and Mokwa.
The classification was based on data from the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Across Nigeria, 23 states, including the FCT, covering 132 LGAs, were categorized as high-risk, while 148 LGAs in 14 states were identified as moderate-risk zones.
Umar highlighted the recurring impact of floods, including loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, displacement, and economic disruption. She explained that expert review meetings assessed climate patterns, noting potential delayed or erratic rainfall, shorter growing seasons, above-average rainfall in some areas, prolonged dry spells, and rising temperatures.
NEMA has developed a 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness, and Mitigation Framework to minimize flood impact. Measures include capacity building for local responders, prepositioning of relief materials, simulation exercises, and community engagement. Vulnerability maps for high-risk communities have also been produced.
Officials urged collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective flood management. Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency, said the state’s Emergency Operations Centre is not yet fully operational due to staffing shortages. The Emir of Minna and other officials pledged support for early warning systems and public sensitization.
Dr. Zainab Ndanusa of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office said Lapai LGA is expected to receive the highest rainfall at 1,329mm, while Agaie may record 1,321mm, with rainfall likely continuing until October 15.
