By Miriam Humbe
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday, made a significant stride in disaster preparedness and response when it launched the Nigerian Hazard Countrywide Risk Analysis 2024.
Held at the Fraser Suites, Abuja, the evainent, a landmark in the nation’s emergency management strategy, was graced by prominent stakeholders and dignitaries.
In a keynote address, the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, who was the Special Guest of Honour lauded NEMA, UNICEF, and key stakeholders for their collaboration in producing a comprehensive risk analysis document.
VP Shettima said: “This initiative marks a critical step towards ensuring preparedness and an effective response to hazards that threaten our nation.
“The dedication of all involved is commendable”.
NEMA’s Director General, Hajia Zubaida Umar, emphasized the importance of the document, which was developed in collaboration with UNICEF.
“She expressed her gratitude to all contributors, highlighting the extensive work carried out over the past seven months by experts from government ministries, departments, agencies, UN systems, and NGOs.
“This initiative was driven by the need to understand the evolving risks in our country.
“With lessons learned from past disasters, we have analyzed 12 hazards, including flooding, epidemics, and conflicts, down to the Local Government Area level,” she said.
She said the document was not just a resource but a tool for strategic planning, ensuring that all levels of government and stakeholders are better equipped to mitigate and respond to disasters.
Trond Jensen, Head of UN OCHA Nigeria, and Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative, both praised NEMA for its leadership in producing the risk analysis.
They noted that the document is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges in disaster management.
Members of the legislature, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, and Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey, Chairman of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, delivered goodwill messages.
They underscored the importance of legislative support in ensuring the success of emergency management initiatives. Former Deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase also graced the occasion.
The highlight of the event was the official launch of the Hazard Countrywide Risk Analysis 2024.
The Vice President, flanked by dignitaries from the high table, unveiled the document to applause, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s emergency preparedness efforts.
The event was attended by heads of government agencies, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and key stakeholders in emergency management.
Their presence underscored the collective commitment to building a resilient nation.
The Nigerian Hazard Countrywide Risk Analysis 2024 serves as a vital blueprint for understanding and addressing risks in Nigeria.
It represents a new era in proactive disaster management and reinforces the importance of collaboration in safeguarding lives and properties across the nation.
The Nigerian Hazard country wide Risk analysis can be assessed on NEMA website at nema.gov.ng
