Strengthening disaster preparedness in Nigerian local councils

The Director General of Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has urged the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in their council areas.

Speaking in Abuja during a visit by ALGON’s National President, Hon Bello Lawal, and his delegation, Mrs Umar outlined the purpose of these committees.

She stated that LEMCs should be led by the Local Government Council Chairman or their representative.

Their role includes enhancing early warning systems, mobilising local resources, and ensuring timely interventions during emergencies.

Mrs Umar emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying: “At NEMA, we recognise the critical role local governments play in ensuring the success of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.”

Promoting partnership for grassroots disaster response

Mrs Umar also highlighted the importance of partnerships with ALGON to create inclusive and effective disaster management strategies tailored to local needs.

She stated: “We remain committed to fostering a strong partnership with ALGON to ensure our strategies are inclusive, effective, and tailored to meet the unique needs of every community.”

This collaboration is expected to strengthen grassroots emergency response mechanisms by leveraging local government resources and expertise.

ALGON’s commitment to disaster management

Hon Bello Lawal, ALGON’s National President, described the visit as a step towards enhanced cooperation.

He noted that ALGON’s new leadership intends to collaborate with NEMA on disaster management strategies at the grassroots level.

He also pointed out the opportunities arising from the financial autonomy granted to local government councils, which now require consultation and guidance from NEMA to optimise disaster management resources.

As the umbrella body for Nigeria’s 774 local governments, ALGON seeks to build capacity for disaster preparedness and response by working closely with NEMA.

Building a framework for local emergency committees

Both organisations view the establishment of LEMCs as a practical solution to improve disaster management at the local level.

The committees are expected to provide a structured approach to handling emergencies, leveraging local knowledge and resources to mitigate risks.

This partnership aims to prioritise community needs, ensuring that response efforts are efficient and timely in addressing potential emergencies.

NEMA urges Nigerian local councils to set up emergency committees: Summary

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on local councils in Nigeria to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to enhance grassroots disaster preparedness and response.

During a visit by ALGON’s National President, Hon Bello Lawal, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, outlined the committees’ roles in early warning, resource mobilisation, and emergency interventions.

ALGON expressed its commitment to collaborating with NEMA to strengthen disaster management initiatives, particularly in light of financial autonomy for local governments.

This partnership aims to improve community-level disaster response by integrating local expertise and resources into a structured framework.