Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, held discussions with the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defense Headquarters. The meeting aimed to enhance collaboration between NEMA and the military to improve disaster management in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Mrs. Umar praised the existing cooperation between NEMA and the Nigerian military, emphasizing its importance in fulfilling NEMA’s mandate. She highlighted the challenges posed by armed conflicts, climate change, and competition for resources and mentioned joint training and simulation exercises as examples of successful collaboration.
Mrs. Umar also updated General Musa on NEMA’s efforts to prepare for the ongoing flood disaster as the rainy season begins. She noted that predictions from NIMET and NIHSA identified 144 local government areas in 30 states at high flood risk. NEMA has convened experts to assess disaster risks and has developed early warning alerts for communities at risk of floods and droughts.
Mrs. Umar requested the CDS to direct the Military Disaster Response Units (DRUs) to enhance preparedness for potential floods. NEMA field offices have been instructed to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including DRUs, to develop strategies for addressing potential floods across the country.
In response, General Musa assured continued military support and collaboration with NEMA to ensure effective disaster management. He expressed appreciation for Mrs. Umar and her team’s visit to the Defense Headquarters. Both parties discussed further aspects of their partnership in disaster management.
