NEMA’s Wake-Up Call: States Told To Prepare Or Perish As Flood Dangers Rise

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on state governments across Nigeria to urgently formulate and implement contingency plans to minimize the devastating effects of flooding and other natural disasters, according to iReporter Online.

Mr. Nnamdi Igwe, NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo States, made this call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri, following the conclusion of a five-day capacity-building workshop for emergency responders focused on disaster preparedness and flood response.

According to iReporter Online, Igwe described the training as crucial, especially given heightened flood risks signaled by recent meteorological forecasts.

He stressed the urgency for states like Imo to develop location-specific contingency plans that would enable emergency teams to tailor their interventions to the unique needs of communities under NEMA’s guidance.

He urged state governments to institutionalize lessons from the workshop into their wider disaster response frameworks and conduct routine simulation exercises to test preparedness.

“Simulation drills will significantly boost our response efficiency, reduce casualties, and enhance coordination,” Igwe stated.

He further recommended the creation of multi-agency disaster coordination platforms to sustain the momentum from the workshop. “Emergencies demand structured responses, not improvisation,” he said, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the rights and safety of vulnerable populations.

According to iReporter Online, Igwe urged stakeholders not to be deterred by operational challenges but to maintain strong collaboration with NEMA to ensure effective and human-centered disaster response strategies.

He concluded by reiterating that synergy between local authorities and federal agencies is essential. “Working together will yield the best results,” iReporter Online quoted him as saying.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”