FG launches flood protection pilot project for 100,000 riverine households in 4 high-risk states

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing flood risk through its Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, following a review of the annual flood forecast for 2026.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar Abubakar, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a two-day technical workshop on the Riverine Household Flood Protection Pilot Exercise.

The initiative is a partnership between NEMA and PULA Advisors. It will see 100,000 families benefit from the pilot phase in Anambra, Benue, Kebbi and Kogi states, all listed among the high-risk and most vulnerable states.

“This initiative also reflects the federal government’s commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction and the NEMA Strategic Plan 2026-2029 also places priority on disaster risk early warning and financing.

“The Annual Flood Outlook 2026 once again lists approximately 23 states at high risk of flooding, and the four pilot states are on the list of high-risk and most vulnerable states.

“This reality also requires that we go beyond responding to disasters after they occur. We must embrace innovative approaches that anticipate risks, reduce vulnerabilities, and provide timely financial protection for those most at risk,” Abubakar said.

Speaking on behalf of PULA Consultants, National Director, Dr Mike Enahoro, praised the initiative.

“We know that the Nigerian government has been at the forefront of mitigating the effects of floods and inundations, particularly on people living in the most vulnerable places. We at PULA have been thinking about how we can collaborate with the federal government and through NEMA who has ensured that we become proactive rather than reactionary,” he said.

Appreciating the leadership of NEMA, Dr. Enahoro noted that “NEMA leadership spoke with PULA consultants to find a lasting solution and reduce the impact on people vulnerable to floods.”

Also, Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Chucks, said the people of the state, who are among the worst affected by the floods, would welcome the development.

“Recall that in 2022, over 4 million Nigerians have been affected, of which over 2.5 million have been displaced. Unfortunately, our state has been one of the worst affected. This development will go a long way in removing the financial burden from the state government. I believe that we, the business-minded people of Anambra State, will embrace this initiative,” Dr Chucks said.

The workshop marks a significant step in the journey of the Riverine Household Flood Protection Pilot Project, which is a bold and forward-thinking initiative that leverages disaster risk financing to strengthen resilience before disasters strike.