Nigeria takes action: What NEMA’s new fire and flood strategy means for 2025

Fire prevention campaign targets Lagos tanker drivers

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a public safety initiative to address tanker-related fire risks in Lagos State, Nigeria.

According to NEMA, the Lagos Operations Office conducted a public sensitisation campaign in multiple locations across the state, targeting tanker drivers and at-risk communities.

The campaign began at OPIC, a known rest stop for tanker operators, where NEMA officials and Emergency Management Volunteers from the National Youth Service Corps distributed educational materials and delivered in-person safety briefings.

The agency stated that sessions focused on tanker explosion risks, fire safety precautions, and the need for individual responsibility in preventing incidents.

Practical guidance was provided to drivers, including advice on pre-departure inspections, fuel line checks, avoiding overfilling, routine vehicle maintenance, and participation in regular training programmes.

NEMA also advised members of the public to avoid fuel collection at accident sites and to remain at a safe distance until emergency responders arrive.

Industry engagement on disaster risk reduction

The awareness campaign continued with a visit to the NUPENG office at NNPC Ejigbo.

NEMA reported that the outreach included briefings with union members on road safety, fire prevention, and community-level risk reduction strategies.

According to the agency, the emphasis was placed on a shared approach to reducing the frequency and severity of tanker-related emergencies.

NUPENG members were said to have welcomed the engagement and expressed support for further dissemination of fire safety messages within their networks.

The campaign forms part of wider public education efforts being undertaken by NEMA to reduce fire incidents and improve community safety in Lagos and surrounding areas.

National flood response centre inaugurated in Abuja

Separately, NEMA has announced the official opening of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to coordinate flood response measures across Nigeria.

The agency said the NEOC was inaugurated by NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, represented by Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting.

According to NEMA, the centre will serve as a central coordination hub linking federal and sub-national entities, enabling more effective disaster response planning and operational support.

The NEOC is intended to provide a central platform for real-time flood monitoring, data collection, information sharing, and deployment of response resources.

NEMA reported that the centre’s establishment reflects its preparedness efforts ahead of the anticipated 2025 flood season.

The centre became operational immediately following its launch.

Real-time data platform to support 2025 flood response

During the NEOC staff inauguration, Zubaida Umar called for professionalism and diligence among personnel.

The agency stated that she emphasised the importance of continuous data updates and maintaining a reliable flood information dashboard.

According to NEMA, the dashboard will be used to support timely decision-making and guide response strategies during emergencies.

The agency explained that the NEOC will track flood developments across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It said the platform would help coordinate multiple agencies involved in emergency preparedness and recovery.

Dr Bandele noted that the NEOC’s data-driven approach is central to NEMA’s strategy for the current year’s flood management.

NEMA outlines integrated safety strategy

NEMA stated that the combination of public education and data coordination reflects a multi-level approach to disaster preparedness.

By addressing both fire and flood risks, the agency said it aims to reduce casualties and infrastructure loss during emergencies.

According to NEMA, these initiatives represent a shift towards proactive safety engagement in high-risk regions.

The agency reiterated its call for public cooperation, particularly among road users and communities in flood-prone areas.

NEMA added that it will continue working with state agencies, unions, and civil society partners to improve emergency readiness nationwide.

Nigeria: NEMA launches fire safety drive and opens national disaster operations centre: Summary

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) launched a fire safety awareness campaign in Lagos State.

The campaign targeted tanker drivers and at-risk communities.

NEMA conducted outreach at OPIC and NUPENG’s NNPC Ejigbo office.

Drivers received fire safety advice, including vehicle checks and training.

The public was advised to avoid fuel scooping and wait for responders.

NUPENG committed to helping spread the campaign’s message.

Separately, NEMA opened the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Abuja.

The NEOC will coordinate 2025 flood response across all 36 states and the FCT.

It provides real-time monitoring, data management, and resource deployment.

Director General Zubaida Umar urged staff to maintain an accurate flood dashboard.

The NEOC began operations immediately after the inauguration.

NEMA stated these actions reflect a national shift to proactive risk reduction.