When Mrs. Zubaida Umar assumed the role of Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on March 15, 2024, she inherited a mandate steeped in urgency: to safeguard Nigerian lives and livelihoods against an escalating tide of natural and human-induced disasters. One year later, her tenure has been defined not only by operational innovation but also by a steadfast commitment to legislative accountability—a cornerstone of her strategy to reposition NEMA as a proactive, performance-driven agency. Through robust engagements with the National Assembly and oversight visits by its members, Mrs. Umar has fostered a partnership that ensures NEMA’s efforts align with national priorities while remaining responsive to the needs of Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities.
Overview:
Engagements with National Assembly Committees
From the outset, Mrs. Umar recognized the National Assembly as a vital ally in fulfilling NEMA’s mission. Her first year in office saw a flurry of engagements with various legislative committees, each interaction a testament to her belief that accountability and collaboration are inseparable from effective emergency management.
One of her earliest high-profile engagements came in July 2024, when she met with the Senate Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan. This meeting focused on aligning NEMA’s flood response strategies with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) predictions of heavy rainfall. Mrs. Umar presented a detailed plan to preposition rescue equipment and enhance coordination with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), earning commendations from the committee for her proactive approach. This set the tone for a year of constructive dialogue.
In October 2024, Mrs. Umar appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, led by Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey. The session addressed NEMA’s response to devastating floods in Ondo and Borno States, where rapid assessments and relief distribution had been deployed. Lawmakers probed the agency’s resource allocation and operational efficiency, and Mrs. Umar’s candid responses—coupled with data-driven insights—reinforced NEMA’s credibility. Her emphasis on integrating technology, such as the newly activated Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Abuja, impressed the committee, sparking discussions on increased budgetary support.
The pinnacle of these engagements occurred on January 15, 2025, when Mrs. Umar faced the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives to defend NEMA’s 2025 budget proposal. This high-stakes session, co-chaired by Senator Lawan and Hon. Bassey, was a masterclass in transparency. She outlined NEMA’s 2024 achievements—swift flood responses, relief for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and community sensitization programs—while making a compelling case for increased funding to address Nigeria’s growing disaster risks. Lawmakers responded with a motion to review and potentially augment NEMA’s budget, a victory for Mrs. Umar’s vision of a well-resourced agency. Her ability to navigate these legislative waters showcased not just administrative acumen but a deep understanding of the interplay between policy and action.
Oversight Visits NASS Members on the Ground
Beyond the committee rooms of Abuja, Mrs. Umar welcomed National Assembly members to witness NEMA’s work firsthand through oversight visits—an exercise in accountability that brought lawmakers closer to the communities they serve. These visits, spanning Nigeria’s diverse regions, highlighted her commitment to ensuring that NEMA’s operations withstand scrutiny while fostering trust in the agency’s capabilities.
In October 2024, following severe flooding in Ondo State, Mrs. Umar led a delegation that included members of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management to assess the damage in Ondo town. The lawmakers, accompanied by NEMA’s field officers, toured ravaged neighborhoods, observing the distribution of relief materials and the deployment of mobile clinics. Hon. Joseph Bassey praised the synergy between NEMA and the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, noting Mrs. Umar’s hands-on leadership as a driving force. This visit spurred further legislative advocacy for flood mitigation infrastructure, reflecting the tangible outcomes of such oversight.
Similarly, in Katsina State, Hon. Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki of the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency joined NEMA teams in October 2024 to distribute food and household items to victims of drought and banditry. Tafoki publicly commended Mrs. Umar for her prompt response, emphasizing how NEMA’s intervention complemented his constituency efforts. The visit underscored her strategy of leveraging legislative goodwill to amplify NEMA’s reach, ensuring aid reached remote and conflict-affected areas.
Perhaps the most poignant oversight moment came in December 2024, when senators from the Special Duties Committee visited Maiduguri, Borno State, to evaluate NEMA’s response to a catastrophic flood. Mrs. Umar guided the delegation through IDP camps, where camp managers—trained under her directive—coordinated food, shelter, and medical aid. The lawmakers witnessed the impact of NEMA’s collaboration with NGOs like the Medical Initiative for Africa (MIFA), which donated mosquito nets for distribution. Senator Lawan described the operation as “a model of efficiency,” reinforcing NEMA’s reputation as a reliable partner in crisis.
A Legacy of Trust and Transformation
Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s first year as NEMA’s Director General has been a masterstroke in legislative accountability. Her engagements with National Assembly committees have not only secured critical support but also shaped a narrative of transparency and responsiveness. The oversight visits, meanwhile, have bridged the gap between policy and practice, allowing lawmakers to see—and champion—the real-world impact of NEMA’s work.
As Nigeria grapples with climate change, insecurity, and urbanization, Mrs. Umar’s partnership with the National Assembly stands as a beacon of hope. By getting the job done with diligence and openness, she has ensured that NEMA remains not just a reactive force but a proactive guardian of the nation’s resilience—one legislative handshake at a time.
Abdulkadir Ibrahim
press Unit NEMA Headquarters Abuja
