The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially launched its 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) in Bauchi State, targeting communities at high risk of flooding.

During Friday's launch event, NEMA's Deputy Director of General Services, Bitrus Samuel, highlighted that Bauchi ranks among the states with the highest flood risk in Nigeria, necessitating the agency's proactive approach.

"What we're doing here is sensitising communities so they understand the likelihood of flooding and can take practical steps to prepare, using local structures and stakeholders," Samuel explained.

The campaign follows early flood predictions issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), with NEMA working to translate these forecasts into actionable strategies at the grassroots level.

"Disasters are local — they begin in communities. That's where preparedness must start," Samuel emphasized.

The launch event saw participation from key stakeholders including representatives from the Nigerian Army, Police, Fire Service, and Civil Defence Corps, underscoring the multi-agency approach to disaster management.

As part of the campaign activities, NEMA officials conducted sensitisation sessions at Muda Lawal Market, one of Bauchi's commercial areas most affected by previous flooding incidents.

Addressing market leaders, NEMA's Simon Katu stressed the importance of community involvement in disaster management.

"At the end of this engagement, we expect to see changes in behaviour, improved response, and stronger collaboration. Disaster management isn't the government's job alone — it starts with the people," Katu stated.

Hajara Wanka, Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, confirmed that the state government had already issued directives to ensure readiness across all flood-prone areas within the state.

The campaign represents a significant step in Nigeria's efforts to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding, which has caused substantial damage to lives, property, and infrastructure in recent years.