The Taraba State Government has launched the 2026 Climate-Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategy in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders to reduce the impact of flooding and climate-related disasters across the state.
The initiative was unveiled in Jalingo by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Services, Hon. Saviour Noku, who represented Governor Agbu Kefas at the event.
He commended the State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA) for sustaining grassroots safety awareness campaigns, noting that such efforts have helped protect lives and strengthen community resilience, especially in flood-prone areas.
Noku urged residents to pay attention to early warning messages and adopt preventive measures as the rainy season intensifies.
The Executive Secretary of TSEMA, Dr. Echuseh Audu, stressed the importance of collective action in tackling climate-related disasters, commending the collaboration between traditional institutions and agencies such as NiMet, NIHSA, NIWA, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and HYPADEC.
She said early warning systems, public sensitisation and coordinated emergency response remain critical to reducing loss of lives and protecting livelihoods.
Also speaking, NEMA North-East Zonal Director, Mr. Yakubu Suleiman, praised Taraba’s disaster preparedness framework, noting that the state recorded no deaths from climate-related disasters in the previous year due to effective planning and response.
He described Taraba’s emergency management system as one of the most effective in the country and urged continued investment in disaster preparedness.
NiMet meteorologist, Mrs. Blessing Aganbi, warned that Taraba is among 33 states identified as high-risk flood zones this year, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow weather advisories.
Other stakeholders, including NIHSA, NIWA, the Nigerian Red Cross and traditional leaders, also called for stronger community participation in disaster risk reduction, evacuation planning and emergency response awareness.
The event ended with an interactive session where residents raised concerns about evacuation procedures, relief access and safety measures during flooding periods.
