News

NEMA, PULA ADVISORS Partnership: Anambra, Benue, Kebbi, Kogi Approve Flood Protection Pilot for 100,000 Riverine Households

Published

3 months ago

July 1, 2026

Cyril Ogar

Four of Nigeria’s most flood-prone states have approved a landmark pilot programme to protect riverine households, under a new partnership between the Federal Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and global risk financing firm, PULA Advisors.

Anambra, Benue, Kebbi, and Kogi states will lead the first phase of the Riverine Household Flood Protection Pilot, which will cover 100,000 households identified as most vulnerable in the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook.

The approval was announced on Wednesday in Abuja at the close of a two-day Technical Workshop on the pilot exercise, jointly convened by NEMA and PULA Advisors.

Speaking at the event, PULA Advisors’ Country Director, Dr. Mike Enahoro, said the pilot would be data-driven, with a clear path for expansion after evaluation.

“In arriving at the selected states for this pilot phase, data from Federal Government Agencies was used, and the watchword was vulnerability. The pilot phase will see 100,000 household covered in this scheme, mind you, we will relay on accurate data for the most vulnerable households to be captured. There is possibility of scaling up after a holistic assessment of the pilot phase.” He stated.

Appreciating NEMA’s leadership, Dr. Enahoro noted that “NEMA leadership has been talking with PULA Advisors in finding a lasting solution and reducing the impact on people vulnerable to floodings.”

Also speaking, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar Abubakar, said the initiative signals a shift from disaster response to disaster prevention, in line with the agency’s 2026-2029 strategic plan.

“This initiative also reflects the federal government’s commitment to strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction and NEMA’s strategic plan 2026-2029 also put priorities on early warning and disaster risk financing.

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

“This reality further demands we move beyond responding to disaster after they occur. We must embrace innovative approaches that anticipate risk, reduce vulnerabilities, and provide timely financial protection for those most at risk,” Abubakar stated.

The pilot will deploy disaster risk financing tools to provide timely financial protection to households living along riverbanks before floods occur.

With all four states now on board, implementation is expected to commence immediately, targeting riverine communities in Anambra, Benue, Kebbi, and Kogi.

The workshop marks a significant step in the journey of the Riverine Households Flood Protection Pilot, which represents a bold and forward-looking initiative that leverages Disaster Risk Financing to strengthen resilience before disasters strike.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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