By Abdulkadir Ibrahim
As the world recently marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Nigeria stands tall among nations making steady progress in building resilience to disasters—thanks in large part to the visionary leadership of the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar. Since assuming office, Mrs. Umar has ushered in a new era of professionalism, innovation, and collaboration in Nigeria’s emergency management system, transforming NEMA into a more proactive, efficient, and people-centered agency.
Driving Disaster Risk Reduction through Innovation and Collaboration
Under Mrs. Umar’s leadership, NEMA has moved beyond the traditional focus on post-disaster relief to embrace a holistic approach centered on disaster risk reduction. This shift aligns with the global agenda of building resilience rather than merely responding to crises. Through nationwide sensitization campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and partnerships with local and international agencies, NEMA has strengthened community preparedness and improved early warning systems.
The Agency’s observance of the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction—held under the theme “Building Resilience, Not Disasters”—exemplified this commitment. The event, graced by the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, underscored the government’s support for NEMA’s renewed focus on resilience-building, community empowerment, and the integration of climate risk reduction in national development planning.
Prioritizing Staff Welfare and Capacity Development
Recognizing that an effective emergency management system begins with motivated personnel, Mrs. Umar has made staff welfare a cornerstone of her administration. Improved working conditions, prompt promotion exercises, and enhanced health and insurance packages have boosted morale across NEMA offices nationwide.
Equally significant is her investment in capacity building—both for NEMA staff and for critical stakeholders across the emergency management ecosystem. Regular training programs, technical workshops, and simulation exercises are equipping responders with modern skills in disaster preparedness, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian coordination. This sustained human capital development is ensuring that NEMA maintains a professional workforce capable of responding efficiently to evolving disaster dynamics.
Modernizing Infrastructure and Equipment
Mrs. Umar’s tenure has seen a significant upgrade of the Agency’s infrastructure, Search and Rescue (SAR) assets, and communication equipment. From revitalized operations offices to the acquisition of advanced response vehicles, drones, and digital communication tools, NEMA is now better positioned to deliver timely and coordinated responses to emergencies across the country.
These improvements have strengthened inter-agency synergy and reduced response time during crises—solidifying NEMA’s reputation as a technologically responsive and dependable national institution.
Strengthening Partnerships and Institutional Synergy
In an unprecedented move to streamline Nigeria’s emergency management framework, Mrs. Umar convened the first-ever National Forum for State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs). The groundbreaking forum brought together emergency managers from all 36 states and the FCT to harmonize strategies, share best practices, and forge a united front for disaster risk governance in Nigeria.
Through her leadership, NEMA has also provided increased support to SEMAs in logistics, training, and operational coordination—ensuring a more unified and efficient national response mechanism.
Recognition and Awards
Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s transformative leadership has not gone unnoticed. She has been widely recognized for her contribution to public service excellence, women’s leadership, and the advancement of disaster management in Africa. Her administration’s achievements have earned NEMA several national and international commendations for innovation in emergency response, risk reduction, and humanitarian coordination.
A Legacy of Vision and Impact
Mrs. Umar’s tenure has redefined what effective emergency management looks like in Nigeria. By emphasizing resilience over relief, people over process, and collaboration over competition, she has positioned NEMA as a model institution in Africa’s disaster management landscape.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, conflict, and humanitarian crises, Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope—demonstrating that with vision, dedication, and reform-driven action, Nigeria can indeed build a safer, more resilient future for all.
Abdulkadir Ibrahim writes from NEMA press Unit
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