Nigeria: NEMA leads twin campaigns on tanker fire risks and flood preparedness
Iain Hoey
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National fire safety drive targets tanker-related risks in Katsina
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has carried out a one-day campaign in Katsina State focused on preventing tanker fires and promoting safe fuel handling, according to the agency.
The initiative began with a stakeholder meeting at the Old Government House conference hall, bringing together representatives from emergency and security services.
According to NEMA, the session included a technical briefing from the Federal Fire Service on the leading causes of tanker-related fires and methods to reduce risk.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) focused on driving behaviour and vehicle standards, while stakeholders raised concerns about the frequency of fuel-related incidents in the region.
Sulaiman Muhammad, Head of Operations for NEMA Kaduna Office, represented NEMA Director General Mrs Zubaida Umar and said the initiative was intended to improve cooperation between agencies such as the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Red Cross, and State Emergency Management Agency.
Community outreach efforts carried out across Katsina State
The second part of the campaign involved local engagement through public education efforts in Katsina.
NEMA said it deployed its officers alongside NYSC volunteers to visit fuel stations and tanker depots across the city.
Posters and fliers were handed out to raise awareness of safe fuel handling, spill prevention, and emergency response steps for both workers and the wider public.
The agency stated that awareness-building activities are critical to reducing the incidence of fuel-related fires.
It said the programme reflects a continued effort to reduce disaster risk through collaboration, education, and prevention strategies.
Flood preparedness campaign launched in Lagos community
Separately, NEMA has launched its 2025 National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign in Oke Isagun, Lagos, aligning the effort with the Seasonal Climate Prediction from NiMet and the NHSA flood outlook.
According to the agency, the campaign aims to prepare at-risk communities for floods and to promote shared responsibility in disaster reduction.
Comr. Justin Uwazuruonye, speaking on behalf of Director General Mrs Zubaida Umar, urged communities to create Local Emergency Management Committees and train volunteer disaster responders.
He said: “Government alone cannot do it all. Residents must be educated about disaster prevention, especially the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal in waterways.”
Flood risks linked to environmental and regulatory challenges
Participants at the Lagos event highlighted several causes of flooding in the region.
These included poor waste disposal practices, building construction on natural flood plains, climate change impacts, and weak regulatory enforcement.
Community representatives and civil society groups present at the launch called for measures including stricter enforcement of building codes and regular dredging of waterways.
The campaign’s organisers said public awareness was key to changing behaviours that increase flood risk.
They added that community leadership and shared ownership of preparedness efforts would strengthen long-term resilience.
First aid training and equipment distributed in Lagos
The event in Lagos also included practical training sessions.
NEMA confirmed that the Red Cross Society conducted a demonstration of basic life support techniques for community members.
The agency added that the training was designed to improve local emergency response capacity.
First aid kits were distributed to selected communities identified as vulnerable to flooding.
The initiative concluded with a call for local actors to continue preparedness activities throughout the 2025 rainy season.
Nigeria: NEMA leads twin campaigns on tanker fire risks and flood preparedness: Summary
NEMA conducted a one-day campaign in Katsina State on tanker fire risks.
The campaign included a stakeholders’ meeting led by NEMA, Federal Fire Service and FRSC.
Technical briefings were held on the causes and prevention of tanker-related fires.
NEMA said multi-agency coordination is essential for effective response.
Community outreach followed with distribution of posters and fliers at fuel stations.
NEMA launched a separate campaign in Oke Isagun, Lagos on flood preparedness.
The campaign supports NiMet and NHSA’s 2025 seasonal flood outlook.
NEMA called for Local Emergency Management Committees in every community.
Waste disposal, construction on flood plains and weak enforcement were cited as causes of flooding.
Red Cross conducted basic life support demonstrations during the Lagos event.
First aid kits were provided to flood-prone communities.
NEMA urged continued grassroots engagement ahead of the rainy season.