The National Emergency Management Agency has urged Sokoto farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.

The agency also called on residents to follow environmental protection measures to mitigate the impact of predicted climate conditions.

This is contained in a statement signed by the head of the NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Tukur Abubakar, and issued on Friday in Sokoto.

Mr Abubakar said the advisory followed the release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

He explained that 12 local government areas in Sokoto State were expected to experience above-normal rainfall, with intense and concentrated downpours during the 2026 rainy season.

The operations officer listed the affected LGAs to include Binji, Bodinga, Dange-Shuni, Gada, Gwadabawa, Illela, Isa, Rabah, Shagari, Silame, Tambuwal, and Yabo.

“Such heavy downpours are likely to overwhelm soil absorption and drainage systems, significantly increasing the risk of flooding across the state. The onset of the rainy season is projected to be accompanied by windstorms, rainstorms, and sandstorms, which may damage infrastructure, disrupt livelihoods, and increase safety risks for residents,” he said.

Mr Abubakar noted that Sokoto State falls under high, medium, and low flood risk categories, with high-risk areas concentrated around the Sokoto–Rima river system.

“Communities and farmlands along river channels and tributaries, especially low-lying Fadama areas, are strongly advised to take precautionary measures.

“The peak flood period is expected between July and September, when the Rima River may overflow its banks and inundate farmlands and riverside communities. Elevated water levels are likely to persist into October and November, maintaining the state’s high flood risk classification,” he added.

Mr Abubakar cautioned that floodwaters may conceal potholes and damaged road sections, disrupting transport routes and posing risks to lives and property.

The operations officer revealed that, despite the heavy rains, a severe dry spell lasting about 21 days was predicted between June and August.

He urged residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to heed the warnings and act proactively, stressing that preparedness was key to reducing flood impacts and safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

Mr Abubakar advised residents to clear drainages and waterways to ensure free water flow, avoid dumping refuse in drainages, and relocate from flood-prone and low-lying areas to higher ground before the rains intensify.

The operations officer also advised the public against building on floodplains and waterways.

“The public should switch off electricity and secure homes before evacuating to prevent accidents. Farmers are urged to select crops with water conservation capacity to mitigate potential yield losses,” he advised.

Mr Abubakar said NEMA had reactivated its emergency preparedness mechanisms and urged people to report early signs of flooding to community leaders and Local Government Emergency Committees. 

(NAN)