National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), hosted a critical workshop on updating the countrywide risk analysis for Nigeria. This important event took place at the Crest Hotel in Jos, Plateau State, drawing stakeholders from various sectors to strategize on enhancing the nation’s disaster readiness and response capabilities.
The workshop, which spanned two days, brought together representatives from government agencies, ministries,SEMAs and non-governmental organizations. The goal was to integrate diverse insights and data to refine and expand the existing risk analysis framework, with a special focus on vulnerable populations.
Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar Represented by Assistant Director planning Research and Forecasting NEMA HQ Fred Anusim emphasized the importance of the initiative in her opening remarks at the workshop.
She pointed out that ” Updating our risk analysis is not just a procedural task—it is a vital endeavor to protect our communities and ensure a safer future for Nigeria. Collaborating with UNICEF and other stakeholders enables us to approach this challenge with a comprehensive perspective.”
Participants engaged in a series of sessions focused on reviewing recent disaster trends, evaluating the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies, and exploring innovative approaches to risk management. Key issues addressed included harzard identification and risk analysis, hazard mapping, vulnerability and coping capacity of communities all of which influence the national risk landscape.
The workshop also featured practical exercises and group discussions, enabling stakeholders to apply new tools and methodologies in risk assessment. The sessions were designed to foster greater cooperation among the participants, creating a shared vision for risk management that aligns with both national and international safety standards.
As the workshop concludes, the consensus was clear: a proactive and inclusive approach to disaster management is essential for Nigeria’s resilience. Recommendations from the sessions will be compiled into a report, which will guide the next steps in updating the national risk analysis.
Participants at the workshop expressed their satisfaction with the exercise while commending NEMA and UNICEF for organizing the workshop. The
Zonal Coordinator NEMA North Central Zone Mr Eugene Nyelong gave the closing Remarks at conclusion of the Workshop
