At the heart of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) lies a clear and unwavering mission: to coordinate disaster response, mitigate risks, and enhance national resilience. As climate change, urbanization, and socio-economic shifts intensify the frequency and complexity of emergencies, NEMA’s role has never been more critical.
Under the leadership of its Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the agency has embraced a forward-looking vision—one that prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity in disaster management.
From the onset of her tenure, Mrs. Umar recognized that effective emergency response is not just about reacting to crises but about building systems that prevent, prepare, and protect. Her leadership approach rests on three pillars: strengthening institutional capacity, integrating technology and data-driven solutions, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. With these guiding principles, she has set NEMA on a path of transformation, ensuring that the agency remains agile and responsive in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Innovation and Reform
Leadership in crisis management demands not just experience but the courage to challenge outdated methods and embrace bold reforms. Upon assuming office, Mrs. Umar immediately identified areas where NEMA could become more proactive and technologically driven. Her administration introduced strategic reforms aimed at streamlining operations, improving disaster forecasting, and enhancing coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
One of her key initiatives was the modernization of early warning systems. By leveraging satellite technology,and predictive analytics, NEMA enhanced its ability to detect and respond to natural disasters before they escalated into humanitarian crises. These tools allowed for more accurate flood risk mapping, real-time disaster monitoring, and automated alerts that reached vulnerable communities faster than ever before.
Equally important was the boosting of digital communication platforms that improved inter-agency coordination. Through a centralized disaster response dashboard, NEMA was able to track incidents, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that emergency teams operated with real-time data thus making the agency more responsive and accountable.
People-Centered Leadership
Beyond technology and reform, Mrs. Umar’s leadership has been deeply rooted in a people-first approach. She has championed policies that prioritize community engagement, ensuring that disaster preparedness is not just the responsibility of the government but a collective effort. Under her leadership, NEMA expanded grassroots outreach programs, working with local leaders, schools, and civil society organizations to educate citizens on disaster prevention and response.
Special attention was given to marginalized groups—women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—ensuring that disaster management strategies were inclusive and tailored to the needs of all Nigerians. Mrs. Umar has been a vocal advocate for gender-sensitive disaster policies, recognizing the unique challenges that women and children face during emergencies.
A Legacy of Resilience and Reform
As NEMA evolves under Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s leadership, the agency stands as a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve. Her tenure has been marked by a shift from reactive crisis management to proactive resilience-building—one that not only mitigates disasters but strengthens Nigeria’s ability to withstand future challenges.
Through innovation, strategic reform, and a commitment to inclusivity, she has redefined the role of emergency management in Nigeria. Her vision is clear: a nation where preparedness is second nature, where communities are empowered, and where disasters no longer translate into devastation.
With each step forward, Mrs. Umar continues to leave a lasting imprint—not just on NEMA, but on the lives of millions who rely on the agency’s ability to protect, respond, and rebuild.
Abdulkadir Ibrahim
Press Unit NEMA Headquarters Abuja
