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NEMA and the burden of keeping Nigeria safe

Blueprint 2025/2/9

Since its inception in 1999, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been at the forefront of disaster management in Nigeria, employing a holistic approach encompassing prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Under the leadership of its Director General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, NEMA has consistently delivered on its mandate to safeguard lives, protect property, and strengthen community resilience across the country. 

During a recent interactive program, “Reshaping Democracy,” Hajiya Zubaida Umar addressed citizens’ pressing questions about the agency’s strategies for disaster response, humanitarian interventions, and collaborative efforts. Her insights revealed the scope of NEMA’s work and its ongoing efforts to address the nation’s challenges in disaster management. 

A critical question from Tijjani Aliyu of Borno State spotlighted NEMA’s strategies for timely disaster response. Hajiya Zubaida highlighted the agency’s emphasis on inter-institutional coordination. This approach brings together key stakeholders, including the armed forces, police, civil defense, and international organizations, to ensure swift and effective responses.

For instance, during the unprecedented floods in Maiduguri, the seamless collaboration of these entities enabled NEMA to provide rapid humanitarian aid. Additionally, community-based initiatives form the backbone of NEMA’s interventions. Recognizing that “all disasters are local,” the agency actively involves local communities in disaster response efforts, building their capacity to manage emergencies effectively.  

Technological integration has also become a cornerstone of NEMA’s operations. Through clean data and geographic information systems (GIS), the agency can accurately target disaster-prone areas, enabling precise and efficient deployment of resources. 

Aliyu Manzilem from Maiduguri inquired about NEMA’s support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. Hajiya Zubaida emphasized that NEMA collaborates with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to provide critical assistance to displaced populations. 

During the recent floods, the agency deployed mobile clinics, distributed medicaments, and ensured access to clean drinking water in IDP camps. Moreover, NEMA’s camp coordination systems ensure that each camp has dedicated managers to oversee the provision of food, shelter, and medical aid. Partnerships with organizations like the Refugee Commission further enhance these efforts, particularly during the repatriation of irregular migrants. 

NEMA’s effectiveness in disaster management also hinges on its personnel. Responding to a question about staff welfare, Hajiya Zubaida affirmed that the agency prioritizes the well-being and development of its employees. 

With a dedicated staff welfare unit, NEMA provides health services through an in-house clinic and ensures hazard allowances for field workers. Regular training, both locally and internationally, equips staff with the skills needed for search and rescue operations, first aid, and other critical tasks. The establishment of a staff memorial fund further underscores NEMA’s commitment to supporting its workforce. 

Another key area of discussion was NEMA’s collaborative efforts. From coordinating with local stakeholders to forging partnerships with international organizations like the United Nations and Red Cross, NEMA has established itself as a hub for disaster management expertise. 

By hosting regular coordination forums and chairing the National Emergency Management Committee, the agency ensures that all stakeholders operate in alignment, avoiding duplicative efforts and enhancing efficiency. Hajiya Zubaida noted that NEMA also taps into corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of private organizations, such as the Bank of Industry, to mobilize additional resources for disaster response. 

Reflecting on lessons learned from past disasters, Hajiya Zubaida emphasized the importance of early warning systems, community resilience, and improved logistics. Despite challenges such as funding limitations and infrastructural barriers, NEMA is committed to a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. 

The agency’s mantra for 2025 is centered on integrating disaster risk reduction into its operations, leveraging technology, and building stockpiles in anticipation of emergencies. Through its GIS technology, NEMA now monitors disasters in real time, enhancing its capacity to deploy resources effectively. 

Hajiya Zubaida’s insights underscored NEMA’s dedication to fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience among Nigerians. Through strategic collaborations, innovative technologies, and a commitment to capacity building, the agency continues to evolve in its mission to mitigate the impacts of disasters. 

As Nigeria faces the realities of climate change, urbanization, and conflict, NEMA’s proactive strategies offer a lifeline to communities in need. The journey to a safer Nigeria may be challenging, but with NEMA at the helm, the country is better equipped to navigate the storms ahead.

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