The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has convened a technical expert meeting to finalize the development of a draft National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy and Action Plan for 2025–2030.
The two-day session, held from Wednesday 2nd to Thursday 3rd July 2025 at the NEMA Headquarters in Abuja, brought together experts from government agencies, development partners, and relevant stakeholders. The meeting aimed to critically review and fine-tune the draft national strategy, which will serve as a roadmap for effective disaster prevention, preparedness, and response across all levels of governance in Nigeria.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, described the meeting as a “crucial step in our collective journey to strengthen resilience, safeguard development gains, and build a safer and more prepared Nigeria.”
The DG NEMA who was represented by the Deputy Director Disaster Risk Reduction, Dr. Evans Ugoh emphasized the significance of the strategy, stating that it “will guide our national efforts in anticipating, reducing, and responding to disaster risks across all sectors and levels of governance.”
She commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its steadfast support and technical partnership in shaping a strategy that is inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with global best practices.
“This session is not just a review exercise; it is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to a Nigeria where disaster risk reduction is not an afterthought but an integral pillar of national planning and sustainable development,” she added.
The DG urged participants to bring their expertise and insights to bear in ensuring the document is coherent, actionable, and leaves no one behind.
Also speaking at the event, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist for the UNDP Sahel Resilience Project, Mr. Oliver Abayizenga underscored the importance of connecting Nigeria’s DRR strategy to broader regional and cross-border risk management frameworks. He highlighted the growing threats posed by climate shocks, displacement, and food insecurity, and called for proactive, locally driven policies to address these challenges.
The technical meeting featured thematic sessions and technical reviews focusing on ensuring alignment with existing national development plans and international frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Key areas under review in the draft strategy include early warning systems, infrastructure safety, public awareness, risk mapping, and emergency coordination mechanisms.
Once finalized and adopted, the strategy will serve as Nigeria’s principal reference document for DRR planning and response from 2025 to 2030, guiding efforts to build a more resilient nation.
2nd July, 2025
