Parts of the state are still at risk of flooding during the current rainy season, according to the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Sokoto State, which was started by the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency.
The campaign was launched on Tuesday at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’anic and General Studies Auditorium in Sokoto during a stakeholder engagement on impending flooding and the distribution of early warning signals.
Prof. Abubakar Junaidu, the Executive Secretary of Sokoto SEMA, spoke at the occasion on behalf of Aminu Bodinga, the Special Adviser in charge of the organization. He stated that preventative steps were required to protect people, property, and vital infrastructure from flood disasters.
He pointed out that in previous years, Sokoto State had experienced varied degrees of flooding, which had destroyed roads, homes, farms, and other socioeconomic assets.
According to Junaidu, “Sokoto State has seen varying degrees of flooding in recent years, resulting in the destruction of houses, farmlands, roads, and other socio-economic assets, thereby affecting the livelihoods of vulnerable members of society.”
He went on to say that preparation and mitigation efforts are crucial because forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency showed the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding in various areas of the nation.
He claims that timely delivery of early warning information to communities in a language they can comprehend is essential to effective disaster management.
“We need to make sure that communities receive early warning messages in a clear and timely way. Increasing awareness campaigns about flood avoidance and preparedness is crucial for local government officials, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community-based organizations, and the media, he said.
Additionally, 132 local government districts in Nigeria have been designated as high flood-risk zones, according to NEMA Director-General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who was represented by Tukur Abubakar, Head of Operations, NEMA Sokoto Office. In addition, 148 LGAs across 14 states are classified as moderate-risk areas.
Goronyo, Gudu, Kebbe, Kware, Sabon Birni, Silame, Sokoto North, and Wamakko local government areas are particularly vulnerable, according to her, and Sokoto State is still one of the states that needs special attention.
The most crucial time of the rainy season is still from July to September. The River Rima may overflow, endangering farmlands, villages along the river, and vital infrastructure, she cautioned.
Mrs. Umar clarified that after examining seasonal forecasts from NiMet and NIHSA, NEMA created its 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness, and Mitigation Framework.
According to her, the framework’s main objectives are to improve local emergency response capabilities, carry out drills, make sure that flood advisories are followed, prepare relief supplies ahead of time, evaluate susceptible infrastructure, and create community evacuation plans.
She emphasized that flood preparedness should not be left to government agencies alone and called for greater involvement in catastrophe risk-reduction initiatives.An all-encompassing strategy is needed to prevent preventable flood disasters. The distribution of early warning messages and preparation actions must be supported by traditional rulers, religious organizations, women’s and youth groups, the media, and commercial sector partners, she stated.
In order to increase coordination and flood preparedness throughout Sokoto State, the engagement brought together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and media practitioners.
SAHEL Agriculture and Nutrition Consultant provided funding for the initiative.
About The Author
