By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to building effective emergency preparedness and response structures across all local government areas in Nigeria.
This was made known at a two-day stakeholders’ training workshop held in Maiduguri on Monday.
The workshop, themed “Emergency Preparedness & Response Stakeholders Engagement”, was organized in collaboration with the World Bank Group and the Borno State Government.
It aimed to equip emergency response stakeholders with practical skills, improve coordination, and strengthen early warning systems at the grassroots level.
In her opening remarks, NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, represented by Director of Planning and Research Forecasting Bamidele Onimode, emphasized the need for clearly defined roles and proactive planning to ensure timely and efficient disaster response.
She said the agency is focused on enhancing national resilience through collaboration and strategic engagement at the sub-national level.
“As we begin this two-day engagement, let us reflect on how far we have come and how much more we can achieve together,” Umar said, adding that the sessions would help shift Nigeria’s emergency management approach from reactive to preventive.
Oluwaseun Olowoporoku, representing the World Bank Country Director, reaffirmed the Bank’s support for Borno State through technical and operational assistance.
He highlighted the value of investing in preparedness, noting that “every dollar spent on readiness saves several more during recovery.”
The World Bank official commended Borno’s commitment to climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, describing the initiative as a platform for innovation and inclusive action.
Also speaking, Ali Abdullahi Isa of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA) thanked NEMA for its leadership and pledged continued collaboration to protect lives and infrastructure across the state.