NEMA hosted a stakeholders’ forum to examine the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet and assess flood risks. Director General Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors and the need to evaluate past disaster responses to identify improvements. The forum discussed insights from recent hazard risk analyses conducted with UNICEF to enhance disaster preparedness strategies for 2025.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) convened a stakeholders’ forum to analyze the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), with a focus on evaluating flood risks and developing early mitigation strategies. Zubaida Umar, NEMA’s Director General, emphasized the necessity for multi-sectoral collaboration in disaster response, stating the climate challenges faced last year necessitated better preparedness and response to evolving disaster trends.
Umar clarified that the objective of the meeting was to review the preparedness, mitigation, and operational strategies implemented in 2024 across various governmental levels. She stated the need to dissect the past efforts to enhance performance by determining effective actions and identifying gaps. The insights garnered from these discussions are intended to refine climate disaster preparedness strategies for 2025, supporting timely decision-making by authorities.
Moreover, Umar noted a partnership with UNICEF that resulted in a hazard risk analysis specific to Nigeria, aiming to simplify and share data with stakeholders to bolster disaster preparedness. Participants discussed how SCP data could enhance emergency response planning and foster proactive measures in combating climate-induced disasters.
Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, highlighted the involvement of key sectors such as agriculture, health, transport, power, and water resources, stressing that collective responsibility is essential in managing climate-related disasters. Various stakeholders attended, including representatives from State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), federal ministries, and academic experts, all committed to furthering the forum’s objectives.
In conclusion, NEMA’s stakeholders’ forum played a crucial role in enhancing flood preparedness strategies in Nigeria. By analyzing past responses and collaborating with diverse sectors, the agency aims to improve future disaster mitigation and response efforts. The partnership with UNICEF and the evaluation of SCP data are pivotal in informing timely and proactive actions for forthcoming climate-related challenges.
Original Source: internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com
