Abuja, Nigeria — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), under the distinguished leadership of its Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, joined the global community on October 13, 2025, to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja. The event, themed “Building Resilience, Not Disasters,” was graced by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, established by the United Nations, provides an opportunity for nations to reaffirm their commitment to minimizing the adverse impacts of disasters through risk-informed policies and proactive resilience strategies. The 2025 theme underscores the global shift from reactive disaster response to the promotion of resilience and preparedness as sustainable pathways to disaster management.
In her address, Mrs. Zubaida Umar highlighted NEMA’s renewed focus on strengthening national and community resilience as the cornerstone of effective disaster risk reduction. She emphasized that under her leadership, the Agency has prioritized preventive measures, capacity building, and early warning systems as integral components of national disaster management strategy.
> “The theme, ‘Building Resilience, Not Disasters,’ speaks directly to our operational philosophy at NEMA,” Mrs. Umar stated. “We are committed to empowering communities with the knowledge, resources, and institutional support necessary to anticipate and withstand disasters. This approach aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on sustainable development, human security, and the protection of lives and livelihoods.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima in his speech commended Mrs. Umar and the management of NEMA for their dedication to repositioning the Agency as a proactive institution at the forefront of disaster prevention and resilience building. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s continued support for NEMA and related agencies in achieving the nation’s disaster risk reduction objectives.
> “Disaster risk reduction remains an essential pillar of national development,” the Vice President remarked. “The Federal Government recognizes the critical role of NEMA in mitigating the effects of disasters and ensuring that our communities are not only protected but also resilient. This administration will continue to provide the necessary support to enhance institutional capacity and coordination in this regard.”
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the United Nations and other international partners, civil society organizations, and scholars. Presentations and discussions during the event focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination, advancing early warning mechanisms, integrating climate adaptation measures, and promoting community-based resilience initiatives.
Under Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s visionary leadership, NEMA has deepened partnerships with relevant stakeholders across all levels of governance to promote disaster risk education, strengthen response mechanisms, and mainstream resilience into national planning. Her administration has continued to drive a paradigm shift from reactive emergency relief to a culture of risk reduction, prevention, and preparedness.
The 2025 commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction thus reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) and demonstrated the nation’s resolve to safeguard lives and livelihoods through strategic resilience building.
As the event concluded, stakeholders reiterated the call to action: to build resilience, not disasters, and to work collectively towards a safer and more sustainable Nigeria
Abdulkadir Ibrahim
NEMA Press Unit
