NEMA convened a stakeholders’ forum to analyze the 2025 flood risk strategies based on NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction. Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized the need for multi-sector collaboration in disaster readiness. Discussions included evaluation of past response efforts and insights from a hazard risk analysis conducted with UNICEF, aimed at enhancing climate disaster preparedness for various authorities.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) convened a stakeholders’ forum to evaluate flood risk strategies in light of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The forum’s primary objective is to assess potential flood risks and to formulate early mitigation strategies. Zubaida Umar, NEMA’s Director General, emphasized the importance of collaboration across various sectors for effective preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives.
During the forum, Ms. Umar stated the necessity of reflecting on past humanitarian responses to enhance current strategies, noting, “The climate challenges last year raised significant questions about our ability to respond efficiently to evolving disaster trends and impacts.” The forum is also aimed at reviewing the actions taken in 2024 to improve future responses to disasters.
Furthermore, Ms. Umar underscored that discussions around the analysis performed on 2024 disaster responses are crucial. She remarked, “We need to understand what happened, why it happened, what we did correctly, and identify gaps to enhance our performance.” The insights gained are intended to guide timely decision-making for all levels of authorities, thereby ensuring better preparedness for climate-related challenges.
In collaboration with UNICEF, NEMA conducted a hazard risk analysis for Nigeria, with findings set to be shared with stakeholders. This cooperation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen preparedness measures against disasters. Participants at the forum explored effective utilization of SCP data to refine emergency response planning, emphasizing a proactive approach to climate disasters.
The Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting at NEMA, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, acknowledged the presence of representatives from various sectors including agriculture, health, and transport. He recognized that collective action is vital in managing climate-induced disasters. Participants included members from State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), federal ministries, and disaster management experts, all reaffirming their commitment to the objectives of the forum.
In summary, the stakeholders’ forum organized by NEMA highlights the critical importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing flood risks for the upcoming seasons. Through the evaluation of past efforts and partnerships, particularly with UNICEF, NEMA aims to enhance preparedness and response strategies. The collective insights from various agencies and sectors will support more effective planning and timely action against future climate-related disasters.
Original Source: internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com
