NEC Directs Strengthening of Emergency Response Systems Ahead of 2025 Flood Season
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved measures to bolster emergency response capacity nationwide, directing the immediate strengthening of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) across all 36 states. The Federal Ministry of Finance has also been instructed to release emergency funds to support flood preparedness and mitigation efforts.
This decision followed a comprehensive presentation by Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), during the council’s meeting. Her briefing covered the agency’s 2025 flood preparedness strategy and progress made since 2024.
Highlights of NEMA’s report included the development of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2027), with support from the United Nations, and ongoing validation of the Nigeria Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis for 2024. NEMA has also improved coordination with military and security agencies, enhancing joint disaster response efforts.
Preparedness activities in 2025 have involved expert meteorological assessments, early flood predictions communicated to state governments, strengthening of SEMAs, and the formation of Local Emergency Management Committees. The Emergency Operations Centre became fully operational on May 29, 2025, with both national and zonal centres activated. Search and rescue equipment has already been deployed to high-risk areas, while early warning messages continue to be disseminated to local communities through NEMA’s National Preparedness and Response Campaign.
Despite progress, NEMA flagged several critical challenges, including inadequate drainage systems, delayed data reporting from states, insecurity in flood-prone zones, and the limited capacity of some SEMAs. Additional issues cited were poor compliance with building regulations, weak urban planning enforcement, and poor sanitation and waste management practices.
NEC urged state governments to prioritise disaster preparedness in their budgets, activate Local Emergency Committees, enforce building codes, and institutionalise monthly environmental sanitation. Communities and local authorities were also encouraged to actively participate in awareness campaigns and promptly report flood risks.
To support these measures, NEC instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance to disburse emergency funds to all states, the Federal Capital Territory, and key federal agencies.
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