Agency Report
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for greater investment in disaster prevention and community resilience as a more sustainable strategy for managing emergencies in Nigeria.
Dr. Nura Abdullahi, Head of Operations of NEMA’s Kano Office, made the appeal on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano that brought together representatives from government agencies, security organisations, humanitarian groups, and the media.
The event, held to mark the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), carried the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”
“This year’s theme reminds us of the critical importance of investing in prevention, preparedness, and community resilience rather than waiting to respond to crises after they occur,” Abdullahi said. “We are also showcasing our disaster response assets to demonstrate readiness and strengthen confidence among partners.”
Abdullahi praised stakeholders for their continued collaboration in reducing disaster risks across Kano and neighbouring states, noting that sustainable disaster management depends on collective effort.
Abdulhadi Tukur, NEMA’s Head of Search and Rescue, said investing in resilience saves more lives and resources than post-disaster response. He reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to building local capacities, training response teams, and promoting community-based preparedness initiatives.
Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Isyaku-Kubarachi, commended NEMA for its partnership and reiterated the state government’s commitment to proactive risk reduction.
“On behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to reducing disaster risks and building a safer and more resilient future for all,” he said.
The State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Kazeem Oyefola-Sholadoye, called for the creation of a disaster and emergency response trust fund and urged compliance with national fire safety codes in construction and infrastructure planning.
“Our role as responders is not just to react but to work proactively with stakeholders to prevent, prepare for, and mitigate the effects of disasters,” Oyefola-Sholadoye said.
During the event, NEMA displayed emergency response tools including life jackets, first aid kits, rescue gear, and fire safety equipment.
Representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Red Cross Society, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also delivered goodwill messages.