LAGOS/Nigeria: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) and key stakeholders, has conducted a two-day workshop focused on updating the nationwide hazard risk analysis for Nigeria.
The workshop, which received technical support from UNICEF, aimed to refine the country’s risk assessment, a critical component for the development and review of the National Contingency Plan.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, emphasized the significance of the Country Hazard Risk Analysis as a foundational element for national preparedness. Represented by Dr. Onimode Bandele, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, Umar highlighted the evolution of the risk analysis since its initial implementation in 2021 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“The first risk analysis covered 12 different hazards at the Local Government Area (LGA) level, including floods, epidemics, and conflict. This analysis provided a detailed risk profile for the country, ranking hazards by severity and impact,” Umar explained. “This ongoing review is crucial to ensure our contingency plans align with the current realities of hazards in Nigeria.”
Umar also noted the importance of adapting the risk analysis in response to emerging threats, particularly the increasing incidence of armed violence. She expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s ongoing support in these efforts.
Mr. Olayinka Afolabi, an Emergency Specialist at UNICEF, elaborated on the organization’s collaboration with NEMA, which began in 2021. He stated that the partnership has been instrumental in collecting and analyzing hazard risk data across Nigeria, thereby enhancing the country’s preparedness and response capabilities.
“The data collected serves as a critical reference point for government bodies and development partners, offering a comprehensive view of Nigeria’s risk landscape,” Afolabi said. “Our continued support will help NEMA strengthen its role as a central hub for disaster management, ensuring improved emergency response across the nation.”
Earlier, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), praised the proactive efforts of the Lagos State government in emergency management. He underscored the importance of regularly updating the hazard risk analysis, describing it as a fundamental aspect of effective disaster management.
Stakeholders from various states, including Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Edo, participated in the workshop. Representatives from the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and Primary Health Care Development Agencies were also in attendance, contributing to the comprehensive approach to enhancing Nigeria’s emergency preparedness.
