By Philomina Attah

In a major step toward improving disaster readiness, NEMA has reaffirmed its commitment to building safer and more resilient communities across Nigeria.

The agency’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, expressed optimism that NEMA’s partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) would bolster disaster management capabilities.

She stated this in Abuja during JICA’s visit to NEMA headquarters to discuss emergency support for flood-related disasters in Nigeria.

Umar expressed satisfaction with the enduring partnership, noting the crucial role of global cooperation in reducing disaster risks.

“This visit offers an opportunity to strengthen our joint commitment to disaster risk management in Nigeria,” she said.

She acknowledged Japan’s consistent and demand-driven support through JICA, especially in times of critical need.

Umar recalled the 2014 Japanese grant of 500 million Yen, used to acquire vital emergency equipment for NEMA’s operations.

The items include six mobile water treatment units, nine rapid response vehicles, and two command vehicles equipped for relief efforts.

She highlighted that JICA has also provided maintenance services, staff training, and insurance coverage for these assets.

These resources have been deployed in disaster-prone areas, notably during floods in Mokwa (May 2025) and Maiduguri (September 2024).

Umar thanked JICA and the Japanese people for their continued assistance, especially in climate-related and conflict-driven emergencies.

She praised Japan’s global leadership in disaster risk reduction, referencing the Sendai and Hyogo Frameworks and the Kyoto Protocol.

Umar called for expanded collaboration to address challenges from floods, droughts, heatwaves, and disease outbreaks caused by climate change.

She also requested more emergency assets, staff training programmes, and support for a national risk atlas to guide future responses.

“As the rainy season progresses, NEMA remains at the forefront of emergency operations nationwide,” she affirmed.

Umar appreciated JICA’s confidence in NEMA’s mission to safeguard lives and livelihoods across the country.

JICA’s Chief Representative in Nigeria, Mr Yuzurio Susumu, highlighted the essential role of government in managing disasters.

He stressed that effective emergency response and recovery depend on strong, capable public institutions.

Susumu added that JICA’s global mission includes building such institutions by developing skilled human resources.

He noted JICA’s long-standing work with partner countries to improve disaster preparedness and response systems.

“Our goal is to ensure governments can respond quickly and rebuild effectively after disasters strike,” he said.

Susumu emphasised that many NEMA staff have undergone disaster training programmes in Japan.

“These trained professionals are assets for future cooperation and will strengthen our shared objectives,” he noted.

He pledged continued support, including in mental health care during emergencies, to help governments reach vulnerable populations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo