The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched efforts to improve disaster preparedness in Nigeria.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, emphasized this commitment during the opening of a training program on mass casualty and public health emergency management in Abuja, on Monday.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s dedication to its role as the leading agency for managing crisis consequences, stating, “We take our responsibility with utmost seriousness and dedication.”
Mrs. Umar explained that the training is a crucial step toward improving the country’s disaster response capabilities.
“This event is not just a training session but part of our ongoing effort to build a more resilient nation capable of responding effectively to crises in a rapidly changing world,” she said.
The NEMA DG highlighted the importance of joint exercises with stakeholders, noting that these sessions help identify weaknesses in emergency response systems.
“This allows us to refine our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), clarify roles, and enhance preparedness for handling crises effectively,” she added.
Mrs. Umar also stressed the importance of proactive crisis management, especially as global disasters grow more frequent and severe.
“When disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed,” she said, quoting a popular saying.
She acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in organizing a planned national simulation exercise, which aims to bring together key stakeholders to improve coordination and response.
Mrs. Umar urged participants to actively engage in the training and apply their insights to strengthen Nigeria’s disaster management framework.
Major General Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, represented the National Security Adviser at the event.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Other notable figures, including the Director General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, Engineer Mohammed Abdulrahman, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and the British High Commission in Abuja, delivered goodwill messages during the event.
