A Year of Impact: Marking the First Anniversary of Director General NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar
Over the past year, under the leadership of Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has made significant strides in disaster response and risk reduction across Nigeria. The agency has been dedicated to:
Saving Lives: Swift search and rescue operations for disaster victims.
Providing Relief Assistance: Immediate aid including food, shelter, and medical care.
Enhancing Coordination: Strengthening collaborations with government agencies and NGOs for effective disaster response.
Assessment and Recovery: Conducting disaster impact evaluations to inform recovery strategies.
Public Safety and Preparedness: Implementing disaster risk reduction initiatives and training programs.
These initiatives have contributed to a comprehensive approach to disaster management, minimizing loss and enhancing resilience across Nigeria.
Key Achievements from March 2024
Flood Search and Rescue Operations
In preparation for the 2024 rainy season, NEMA deployed newly acquired search and rescue equipment, enhancing the agency’s operational capacity nationwide. By July 2024, zonal, territorial, and operational offices were activated to respond to escalating flood incidents.
A remarkable highlight of Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s leadership was her hands-on approach in response to flood disasters. She personally led advocacy visits, including to Anambra State, to engage community leaders and strengthen flood preparedness. Her presence in Ondo, Borno, and other affected states ensured swift intervention and relief efforts.
One of the most devastating incidents, the Maiduguri Flood of September 2024, resulted in the collapse of Alau Dam, causing widespread damage. NEMA’s response included:
Deployment of human and material resources.
Provision of mobile water purifiers.
Direct oversight by the Director General to ensure effective intervention.
The agency responded to floods across 34 states, ensuring that affected communities received necessary relief materials and assistance.
Response to Building Collapse, Boat Mishaps, Tanker, and Market Fires
Frequent incidents of structural collapses, market fires, and boat mishaps have necessitated proactive intervention.
Following the Dosumu Market fire in Lagos (April 2024), Mrs. Umar met with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to discuss improved disaster response strategies and advocate for risk mitigation measures.
NEMA provided direct support and humanitarian aid to victims of tanker explosions in Jigawa, Niger, and Enugu States.
In Plateau State, after the tragic collapse of a school building, NEMA coordinated rescue efforts and provided relief to the affected families.
The agency also led rescue operations for multiple boat mishaps, engaging local divers to support search and recovery efforts.
Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Interventions
As part of its core mandate, NEMA has provided critical relief interventions to disaster-affected communities. Under the leadership of Mrs. Umar, the agency introduced an inclusive relief distribution approach, engaging state governments, legislators, and community leaders to ensure equitable aid delivery.
Key relief initiatives included
Distribution of 42,000 metric tons of food from the National Strategic Reserve in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA)
Implementation of the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment (GRATE) Initiative, supporting farmers affected by the 2023 ginger blight.
Handover of N1 billion in relief materials from the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief for Maiduguri flood victims.
Coordination of federal subsidized rice distribution across the 36 states and FCT.
Receipt and distribution of donations from UAE and the Bank of Industry, providing food and essential items to affected states.
Special relief distribution for persons with disabilities impacted by a fire disaster in Karma-Jiji, Abuja.
Disaster Coordination and Strategic Planning
NEMA strengthened its national disaster coordination framework, hosting forums to streamline emergency response efforts. A major milestone was the completion of the Nigeria Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis 2024, launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima in December 2024.
Additionally, in January 2025, NEMA participated in launching the Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) in collaboration with UN-OCHA and other stakeholders to enhance humanitarian intervention strategies.
Emergency Preparedness and National Simulation Exercises
To bolster Nigeria’s emergency response capacity, NEMA took part in the Rapid Response 1 simulation exercise organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Held at Idu Train Station, the exercise tested the nation’s readiness for large-scale terrorist incidents. Mrs. Umar commended the collaborative efforts and emphasized the importance of continuous training and preparedness.
Conclusion
As NEMA marks one year under the leadership of Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the agency has demonstrated unwavering commitment to disaster response, humanitarian relief, and national resilience-building. Through strategic interventions and proactive measures, NEMA continues to fulfill its mandate, ensuring that Nigerian communities are better prepared for future disasters.
Looking ahead, the agency remains committed to enhancing emergency preparedness, strengthening collaborations, and improving disaster risk management across the country
Abdulkadir Ibrahim
Press unit NEMA Headquarters Abuja
