L-R: Director General National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, and the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at the National Conference of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) in Lagos on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has emphasized the need for stronger synergy and collaboration among State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) across Nigeria. She made the call at the 2025 National SEMA Conference, held in Lagos on October 2, 2025.
Mrs. Umar stressed that emergency management must be proactive, predictive, and participatory, rather than just reactive. She highlighted the importance of building safer communities, raising awareness, and ensuring preparedness.
The conference, which brought together heads of SEMAs from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, aimed to share best practices, strengthen institutional linkages, and chart a people-centered roadmap for disaster preparedness and response.
Mrs. Umar commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for its pioneering efforts in decentralizing response units, deploying technology, and mobilizing communities. She pledged NEMA’s commitment to strengthening early warning systems, improving data management, and upholding transparency and accountability.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to disaster preparedness and management. Mrs. Umar was also honored as an Honorary Member of the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) for her leadership and commitment to disaster risk reduction.
The conference featured expert presentations on strengthening disaster preparedness, legal and policy reforms, and emergency services. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to enhance preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience across the country.
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