NEMA calls for proactive disaster risk reduction in Nigeria’s Ondo State
Iain Hoey
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NEMA calls for sustained emergency preparedness in Ondo State
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on Nigerian states to adopt proactive and continuous measures for disaster risk reduction.
According to NEMA, the appeal was made on 10 August 2025 by its Director General Zubaida Umar, who was represented by Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele.
NEMA said the remarks came during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ondo State, ahead of the official launch of the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Project in the state.
The agency commended the Ondo State Government for what it described as a forward-thinking approach to disaster management.
It added that Ondo State is one of seven selected for the EPR project based on its preparedness and governance.
EPR project objectives and partnerships
NEMA stated that the EPR project is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank.
According to the agency, the initiative is designed to strengthen early warning systems, improve community resilience, and enable timely response to emergencies such as flooding and sea incursion.
It said the project’s scope covers both infrastructure development and public sensitisation measures to ensure communities are prepared.
The organisation explained that the selected states will receive targeted support to integrate risk reduction into planning and policy frameworks.
NEMA added that the programme is part of a wider national effort to standardise emergency response capacity.
Ondo State’s disaster prevention approach
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said his administration is committed to safeguarding lives and property through deliberate prevention measures.
He said the state’s inclusion in the EPR project was due to proactive flood control and environmental protection policies, rather than extreme vulnerability.
“We are intentional and deliberate about preventing emergencies, especially in the area of flood control,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.
“The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, has been mandated to ensure that our people are protected through effective policies, infrastructure, and sensitization.”
The governor said the government has maintained a focus on preparedness in order to mitigate the impact of potential disasters.
Addressing sea incursion challenges
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the state is tackling the recurring problem of sea incursion in the Aiyetoro Community and nearby areas.
He stated that his government is engaging with the Federal Government and development partners to secure a lasting solution.
According to the governor, these discussions include both technical and financial considerations to ensure any intervention is sustainable.
The governor said that protecting coastal communities remains a priority for his administration.
He added that work is ongoing to integrate coastal risk management into broader environmental planning.
Stakeholder engagement in project launch
NEMA reported that the courtesy visit and EPR project flag-off brought together key stakeholders.
It said these included officials from the Ondo State Government, NEMA, the World Bank, and other partners.
According to the agency, the event marked a step in strengthening coordinated emergency preparedness in the state.
The agency stated that the project framework encourages inter-agency collaboration to maximise efficiency.
It added that lessons learned from the pilot states could inform future national rollouts.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Fire and safety professionals can draw operational insight from the integration of early warning systems into broader disaster preparedness planning.
The EPR project shows how government, international agencies, and local authorities can collaborate on prevention-focused infrastructure and public awareness.
Lessons from the approach in Ondo State may apply to fire risk reduction, particularly in developing coordinated policy, ensuring technical readiness, and building community resilience.
The emphasis on prevention over response also aligns with evolving safety management strategies in high-risk sectors.
NEMA calls for proactive disaster risk reduction in Nigeria’s Ondo State: Summary
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerian states to adopt sustained disaster risk reduction measures.
Director General Zubaida Umar made the call on 10 August 2025 during a visit to Ondo State, represented by Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele.
NEMA said the visit preceded the launch of the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Project in the state.
The agency stated that Ondo was selected as one of seven pilot states due to its proactive disaster management policies.
It explained that the EPR project, supported by the World Bank, aims to improve early warning systems, community resilience, and response to flooding and sea incursion.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa said the state is committed to prevention, particularly in flood control.
He highlighted measures to address sea incursion in Aiyetoro Community and surrounding areas.
The launch was attended by NEMA, Ondo State officials, the World Bank, and other stakeholders.