The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, joined other top government officials and prospective international partners at a special side event on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The high-level panel was themed “Global Partnerships, Local Prosperity: Unlocking Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Blueprint for Sustainable Growth.”
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Umar emphasized the central role of partnerships in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She noted that while Nigeria continues to forge new bilateral and multilateral ties, strengthening existing collaborations remains equally vital.
“At NEMA, where our mandate is centred on humanitarian needs and emergency management, we are pursuing strategic partnerships that go beyond donations or handouts. Our goal is to foster collaborations that guarantee empowerment, sustainability, and resilience, ensuring that communities are not only supported in times of crisis but are also better equipped to withstand future shocks,” she stated.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar further highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing shift in disaster management from a reactive posture to a proactive approach. She explained that effective response begins at the community and state levels, stressing that disasters are local and must first be managed locally before escalating to the federal level.
She said NEMA has always insisted that State Governments should ensure that their State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) are fully functional and responsive. Citing Kaduna State as a role model, she noted the state’s proactive steps over the past four months, including identifying higher grounds, setting up camps, and preparing adequately ahead of the flood season.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders at all levels to build a stronger, more resilient Nigeria.
23rd September, 2025
