The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified 17 local government areas and 148 communities of Jigawa State as moderate flood risk areas in the 2026 rainy season outlook.

The Director-General of the agency, Zubaida Umar, said this on Thursday in Dutse during the stakeholders’ engagement and launch of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards.

Represented by the zonal director of the agency in charge of North-West, Aliyu Shehu, she listed the areas as Auyo, Birniwa, Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Guri, Gwaram, Hadejia, Jahuj, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama, Kirikasamma, Kiyawa, Maigatari, Malam Madori, Miga, Ringim and Taura.

She stressed the need for sustained awareness, effective monitoring of weather and flood advisories and implementation of community-level preparedness throughout the rainy season.

She explained that the forecast by the Nigeria Hydrological Agency (NIHSA) 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) indicated the possibility of delayed rainfall in some areas, shorter growing seasons, prolonged dry spells, periods of intense rainfall and rising temperatures.

She added, “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 announced that NEMA had, however, developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation framework to guide coordinated action at all levels.

She urged traditional institutions, religious leaders, local authorities, community leaders and other critical stakeholders, including the media, to support the agency in disseminating timely early warning messages to promote actions among vulnerable populations.

She warned residents against building on waterways, indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains and to be vigilant throughout the rainy season.

The NEMA boss said, “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.”

The executive secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hannafi Yakubu, said the event highlighted the urgent need for effective and proactive measures to mitigate risks and enhance resilience.

Mr Yakubu said the state government had already procured 20 speed and local canoes for prompt evacuation and other emergency responses in identified areas.

He added that the agency, in collaboration with critical stakeholders, would soon engage in aggressive sensitisation in coastal communities.

He said, “The gesture is aimed at mobilising residents and other stakeholders with a view to finding ways to reduce the impact of any disaster.”

Those that attended the event included representatives of security agencies, ministries of environment and humanitarian affairs, education, health, Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others. 

(NAN)