In an era where government agencies are often caught reacting to disasters rather than preventing them, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has carved a different path—one defined by foresight, clarity, and bold leadership. At the heart of this proactive stance stands the Director General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, whose recent presentation to the National Economic Council (NEC) didn’t just raise alarm bells—it galvanized the nation into urgent action.
On Thursday, July 25, 2025, during the 150th meeting of the NEC at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the DG NEMA delivered a data-driven, emotionally compelling, and strategically targeted briefing on the impending threats of the 2025 floods. It was more than a routine presentation; it was a call to arms—a moment that shifted the conversation around flood preparedness from passive concern to deliberate response.
What made the DG’s address truly outstanding was its grounding in evidence and clarity. Drawing from the Annual Climate-Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies document, Hajiya Zubaida Umar laid bare the disturbing projections: 148 LGAs across 31 states are at high risk of severe flooding. Her presentation didn’t dwell on abstract data. Instead, she humanized the numbers, pointing to real lives at stake—women, children, farmers, displaced families—all vulnerable unless governments and stakeholders act swiftly.
The DG’s appeal was urgent but not alarmist. She emphasized the need for collaboration, not blame; action, not panic. In her words, “While natural disasters are often unavoidable, their impact can be significantly reduced when we prioritize preparedness and early action.” These weren’t just remarks for the record—they were a carefully constructed pitch to decision-makers to secure the necessary political will and resources.
And the result? Immediate and resounding.
Barely days after the briefing, NEC issued a strong directive to all State Governors to reactivate their Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), initiate drain clearing operations, relocate high-risk communities, and take ownership of flood risk mitigation efforts. This was a decisive shift from Abuja’s center to the grassroots—triggered by NEMA’s advocacy and strategic leadership.
But perhaps the true triumph of the DG’s engagement lies in its ripple effect. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies began aligning their activities to the early warnings. Media coverage soared. Non-governmental organizations renewed their sensitization efforts. Even community-based groups took to radio stations and town halls, echoing NEMA’s message. A single briefing ignited a multi-sectoral movement.
For an agency often viewed in the light of response—after the fact—NEMA under Zubaida Umar is increasingly being defined by what it does **before** disaster strikes. And that transformation is no coincidence. Since assuming office, the DG has focused on repositioning NEMA as not just a disaster relief outfit, but a national command center for risk communication, mitigation, and resilience-building.
Her leadership approach—methodical yet empathetic—has been instrumental in reshaping perceptions of NEMA. Rather than pursue grandstanding, the DG has maintained a results-oriented style, prioritizing local engagement, evidence-based planning, and strategic partnerships.
The 2025 flood forecast may still test Nigeria’s readiness, but there’s no doubt that the country is better positioned than it was just a few weeks ago. And that readiness is largely credited to a briefing that did not just warn—it mobilized. A briefing that didn’t just outline the risks—but demanded responsibility.
In a system where bureaucracy often stifles urgency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar’s voice at the NEC meeting rose above the noise. It was a voice backed by data, experience, and moral clarity. And in responding, the Nigerian leadership acknowledged something rare: that good governance starts with good warning systems, and great leadership ensures those warnings are heard, understood, and acted upon.
With the rainy season now fully underway, the weeks ahead will prove challenging. But thanks to NEMA’s intervention—led with vision and resolve—the nation is no longer waiting helplessly. It is moving. Preparing. Acting.
And it all began with one bold briefing.
