Nigeria has renewed its call for urgent global action on disasters, climate change, and humanitarian crises, as Vice President Kashim Shettima addressed world leaders during the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.”
The Vice President stressed that the world can no longer afford the “luxury of inaction” in the face of multiplying threats ranging from climate change and violent extremism to debt and humanitarian emergencies. He emphasized that climate change is not only an environmental issue but a security and humanitarian emergency driving irregular migration, community displacement, and conflict over scarce resources.
He revealed that Nigeria has instructed relevant ministries to deepen collaboration with the UN to access climate financing for resilient housing, education, and technology, enabling vulnerable communities to become “part of the solution rather than the problem.”
Among dignitaries present at the high-level session on Wednesday 24th September, 2025, was the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, whose agency plays a pivotal role in translating Nigeria’s global commitments into practical disaster risk reduction and humanitarian actions at home. Her presence underscored the strategic linkage between Nigeria’s international advocacy and its domestic emergency management framework.
Vice President Shettima further reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong faith in multilateralism, citing the country’s long-standing contributions to UN peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
Further to being present during the Vice President’s presentation, Mrs. Zubaida Umar also featured prominently at a special side event on the margins of UNGA 80, themed “Global Partnerships, Local Prosperity: Unlocking Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Blueprint for Sustainable Growth.”
In her remarks, the Director General NEMA emphasized that the Agency is moving from a reactive approach to disasters toward a proactive and community-driven framework. She explained that effective disaster management must begin locally, with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) serving as the first line of response.
Citing Kaduna State as an example of best practice, she commended its flood preparedness measures, including early identification of higher grounds, setting up camps, and mobilizing communities ahead of the rainy season.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar stressed that NEMA’s focus is on building strategic partnerships that guarantee sustainability and resilience rather than one-off interventions.
“At NEMA, our goal is to foster collaborations that empower communities to withstand future shocks, ensuring that humanitarian support translates into long-term resilience,” she said.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s readiness to deepen cooperation with both local and international stakeholders in pursuit of a stronger, more disaster-resilient Nigeria.
29th September, 2025
