The Federal Government has launched a flood protection pilot scheme aimed at safeguarding 100,000 vulnerable households in riverine communities across Anambra, Benue, Kebbi and Kogi states as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

The initiative, unveiled in Abuja during a two-day Technical Workshop on the Riverine Household Flood Protection Pilot Exercise, is being implemented through a partnership between the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and PULA Advisors, an international agricultural insurance and risk management firm.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the programme represents a shift from the traditional disaster response model to a proactive approach that protects vulnerable communities before floods occur.

She said the scheme aligns with the Federal Government's Disaster Risk Reduction strategy and NEMA's 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, which prioritises early warning systems, disaster risk financing and community resilience.

According to Umar, the pilot states were selected because they are among the areas identified in the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook as being at high risk of severe flooding.

She noted that recurring floods continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across Nigeria, making it necessary to adopt innovative measures that reduce vulnerability and provide timely financial protection for affected households.

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

This reality demands that we embrace innovative approaches that anticipate risks, reduce vulnerabilities and provide timely financial protection for those most at risk," she said.

Country Director of PULA Advisors, Dr. Mike Enahoro, described the collaboration as a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to build resilience against climate-related disasters.

He said the initiative is designed to complement government interventions by providing proactive support for communities that experience frequent flooding, rather than relying solely on post-disaster relief efforts.

Enahoro added that the programme would help reduce the social and economic impact of floods on vulnerable populations while promoting sustainable disaster risk management.

Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Chuks, welcomed the initiative, noting that the state suffered extensive losses during the devastating 2022 floods.

He expressed optimism that the pilot scheme would ease the financial burden on governments while strengthening the capacity of vulnerable communities to withstand future flood disasters.

The launch comes as authorities continue to warn of increased flood risks during the 2026 rainy season, with several states identified as vulnerable to heavy rainfall and possible flooding.

Officials said the Riverine Household Flood Protection Pilot marks an important step in Nigeria's transition towards disaster risk financing, ensuring that at-risk communities receive protection before disasters occur rather than depending solely on emergency relief after floods.