As part of the ongoing Regional Training Course on Radiation Emergency Management, participants from various African countries visited the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters in Abuja on 27 June 2025.
The visit provided the participants with a unique opportunity to gain practical insight into how NEMA coordinates national emergency preparedness and response efforts, particularly in relation to radiological and nuclear incidents. Officials of the Agency presented an overview of NEMA’s mandate, organizational structure, and operational strategies, showcasing key tools, protocols, and mechanisms employed in emergency management and disaster risk reduction.
The participants were warmly received on behalf of the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Onimode expressed appreciation for the visit, highlighted the Agency’s key roles and operations, and emphasized NEMA’s openness to partnerships aimed at enhancing disaster management capacities.
During the visit, the participants were taken on a guided tour of critical facilities at the NEMA headquarters, including the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) located in the Agency’s Geospatial Information System Centre, the Clinic, the Mobile Command and Control Centre, and the Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) vehicle. At the NEOC, the Deputy Director Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Tony Ephraim, and the Coordinator of the Centre, Ms. Lydia Wagami, explained its core functions and operational workflow. In addition, Mr. Hafiz Muhammed, NEOC’s Data Officer, provided updates on current emergency data and statistics.
The engagement also underscored the critical role of institutional synergy in emergency response, with NEMA serving as the central coordinating body among relevant stakeholders during disaster situations. During the interactive session, the participants were able deepened their understanding of national coordination mechanisms, inter-agency collaboration, and the integration of data and technology in managing radiological emergencies.
Overall, the visit provided valuable firsthand experience of Nigeria’s emergency response framework and reinforced the importance of coordinated institutional actions in addressing radiological and nuclear incidents.
The course participants were led to NEMA by Mr. Adamu Hussaini of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).
27th June, 2025
