Sokoto State could be in for a rough rainy season — and the government wants everyone to be ready before the water comes.
On Tuesday, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency launched the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards. The event happened at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur'anic and General Studies Auditorium in Sokoto.
Prof. Abubakar Junaidu, Executive Secretary of Sokoto SEMA, represented Aminu Bodinga, the Special Adviser overseeing the agency. He said the state has seen varying degrees of flooding in recent years, destroying homes, farmlands, roads and other assets.
“Sokoto State has experienced various degrees of flooding in recent years, leading to the destruction of houses, farmlands, roads and other socio-economic assets, thereby affecting the livelihoods of vulnerable members of society,” Junaidu said.
He added that forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency point to significant rainfall and flooding in parts of the country. That makes preparation and mitigation urgent.
According to Junaidu, early warning messages must reach communities fast and in a language they understand. He called on local government authorities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community-based organisations and the media to intensify awareness campaigns.
NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar, represented by Tukur Abubakar, Head of Operations at NEMA Sokoto Office, revealed that 132 local government areas across Nigeria have been classified as high flood-risk zones. Another 148 LGAs in 14 states fall within moderate-risk areas.
She said Sokoto State remains among those needing special attention. Eight local government areas are particularly vulnerable: Goronyo, Gudu, Kebbe, Kware, Sabon Birni, Silame, Sokoto North and Wamakko.
“The July-to-September period remains the most critical phase of the rainy season. There's a possibility of overflow from the River Rima, which could threaten riverside communities, farmlands and critical infrastructure,” Umar warned.
NEMA developed its 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework after reviewing seasonal forecasts from NiMet and NIHSA. The framework focuses on strengthening local emergency response capacity, conducting simulation exercises, ensuring compliance with flood advisories, pre-positioning relief materials, assessing vulnerable infrastructure and developing community evacuation plans.
Umar stressed that flood preparedness shouldn't be left to government agencies alone.
“Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires a whole-of-society approach. Traditional rulers, religious organisations, women and youth groups, the media and private sector stakeholders must support the dissemination of early warning messages and preparedness measures,” she said.
The engagement brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and media practitioners. The programme was supported by SAHEL Agriculture and Nutrition Consultant.