Nigeria emergency response: NEMA strategic plan and NCC partnership update
Iain Hoey
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Strategic plan developed to address climate, displacement and public health challenges
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced the development of a new strategic plan covering the period 2025 to 2029.
According to NEMA, this marks the first time the agency has created a formal document to guide its long-term strategy.
NEMA stated that the plan was created through consultation and evidence-based processes.
It explained that the plan responds to multiple pressures, including climate-related disasters, public health emergencies, displacement and insecurity.
The agency noted that the plan aims to improve coordination and accountability in national humanitarian operations.
Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, said during the stakeholder validation workshop: “It’s the first time ever that the Agency has taken the bold step to develop such document and it will cover the period 2025 to 2029.”
Zubaida Umar continued: “The urgent realities facing our country – from climate-related disasters, insecurity, displacement and public health emergencies to the increasing demand for effective coordination and accountability in our humanitarian efforts.”
Zubaida Umar added: “The process of developing the strategic plan has been consultative, evidence-informed.”
Presentations at the event were delivered by Dr Umesi Emenike, Director of Human Resources Management, with participation from NEMA Directors and representatives from disaster management organisations.
NEMA and NCC seek to strengthen national emergency call systems
NEMA has also confirmed closer collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve disaster communications.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the cooperation aims to enable faster, more coordinated responses to emergency incidents across Nigeria.
The announcement followed a meeting between NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar and Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
NEMA stated that the partnership will focus on expanding emergency communications, strengthening early warning systems, and supporting public education about emergency procedures.
Zubaida Umar said: “We must expand the scope of cooperation between NEMA and NCC, particularly in enhancing emergency communication systems, promoting disaster risk reduction initiatives, and supporting the development and dissemination of early warning systems.”
Zubaida Umar also noted: “Seamless interoperability between the national emergency number and NEMA’s contact number would ensure Nigerians in distress can access timely and coordinated emergency response services.”
Dr Aminu Maida responded by affirming the NCC’s support for the partnership.
Dr Aminu Maida said: “We must increase public awareness about the availability and proper use of emergency call numbers to better serve citizens.”
Strategic plan responds to humanitarian coordination needs
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the strategic plan responds to challenges that have affected the agency’s ability to deliver efficient disaster management.
It said the rising frequency of climate-related incidents and the impacts of displacement and insecurity have created growing pressure for a unified response system.
NEMA explained that the plan is designed to improve its operational capacity and increase efficiency when responding to emergencies.
The agency stated that the document reflects engagement with key stakeholders across sectors to ensure alignment with international coordination standards.
It added that the strategic plan includes provisions for institutional strengthening and clearer accountability measures in humanitarian operations.
The agency confirmed that the plan will run from 2025 through 2029 and will be reviewed periodically.
NEMA and NCC partnership targets disaster risk reduction and public safety
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that the partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is part of its broader effort to enhance national disaster risk reduction mechanisms.
It said that the collaboration will support the development of early warning systems and improve the interoperability of emergency communication channels.
NEMA noted that this includes technical support and policy coordination to ensure consistent messaging during emergencies.
The Nigerian Communications Commission confirmed that it has activated the national emergency number and will work with NEMA to improve public accessibility to emergency services.
NCC stated that raising public awareness and improving training around emergency call systems will be a shared responsibility between both agencies.
Dr Aminu Maida reiterated the Commission’s intention to provide continued support to NEMA in developing effective communication tools.
Nigeria emergency response: NEMA strategic plan and NCC partnership update: Summary
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced a strategic plan for 2025 to 2029.
The plan is the first of its kind developed by the agency.
NEMA stated that the plan addresses challenges such as climate-related disasters, displacement and public health emergencies.
The agency said the plan was developed through consultation and evidence-based processes.
Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, made the announcement during a stakeholder validation workshop.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosted a meeting with NEMA to discuss joint efforts in disaster communications.
NEMA confirmed it will partner with NCC to improve emergency communication systems and public awareness.
Zubaida Umar called for interoperability between the national emergency number and NEMA’s emergency contact number.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida affirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting emergency communications.
Both agencies said the partnership will include technical development and public education.
