By Abbas Nazil
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sought a stronger partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to improve disaster management effort so across the country.
This call was made by Malam Hussaini Isah, the newly appointed Head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, during a familiarisation visit to the NAN Zonal Office in Minna on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Isah highlighted the purpose of the visit as a means to foster collaboration and build on existing partnerships, particularly in disaster reportage and public sensitisation.
He commended NAN for its reputation in delivering timely and accurate information, describing the agency as instrumental in enlightening and uniting the populace through credible communication.
According to Isah, disaster management has become increasingly complex due to the rising frequency and intensity of disasters, exacerbated by climate change and global warming.
He emphasized that NEMA, as the coordinating agency for disaster management in Nigeria, is tasked with formulating policies, running sensitisation campaigns, and collecting data from stakeholders to mitigate disaster risks.
“Information is key,” Isah stated, adding that awareness and preparedness are critical components of disaster prevention.
He stressed the importance of reaching grassroots communities where most disasters occur, citing the 2024 floods that severely impacted Maiduguri and Niger State as a wake-up call for intensified disaster management efforts.
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The collaboration with NAN, he noted, would involve public enlightenment campaigns, training, and the use of local languages to better engage rural communities.
Additionally, Isah underscored the role of the partnership in countering the spread of fake news, particularly during crises, which could undermine effective disaster response.
Alhaji Mohammed Bababusu, NAN’s Zonal Manager for Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, pledged the agency’s full support for NEMA’s initiatives.
He reaffirmed NAN’s commitment to providing accurate and reliable news in line with its slogan, “Talk to NAN, Talk All.”
Bababusu pointed out that NAN’s subscribers include media outlets across Nigeria and internationally recognized agencies, making it a vital channel for disseminating disaster management information.
“NAN is dedicated to ensuring peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, which is why we avoid reporting news that could create confusion,” Bababusu explained.
He assured NEMA of the agency’s willingness to support training programs, public awareness campaigns, and other efforts that enhance disaster preparedness and response.
The meeting marked a renewed commitment between NEMA and NAN to leverage their strengths for the benefit of communities vulnerable to natural and human-induced disasters.
Through coordinated efforts, both agencies aim to improve disaster management outcomes and ensure effective communication during emergencies.
