The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has hosted a two-day technical meeting to finalize Nigeria’s draft National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy and Action Plan for 2025–2030.
Held at NEMA Headquarters in Abuja from July 2 to 3, the meeting brought together government officials, development partners, and sectoral experts to critically review and refine the proposed strategy. The document aims to serve as a national blueprint for disaster prevention, preparedness, and coordinated response efforts across all levels of governance.
NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Deputy Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, Dr. Evans Ugoh, described the meeting as “a crucial step in our collective journey to strengthen resilience, safeguard development gains, and build a safer and more prepared Nigeria.”
She emphasized the strategic importance of the plan in guiding national actions to reduce disaster risks, commending the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its technical support and sustained partnership.
“This session is not just a review exercise,” she said, “but a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to integrate disaster risk reduction as a core pillar of national development.”
Mr. Oliver Abayizenga, UNDP’s Regional DRR Specialist for the Sahel Resilience Project, stressed the need for regional alignment, noting that the strategy should address emerging risks such as climate shocks, displacement, and food insecurity through proactive and localized policies.
The meeting featured thematic breakout sessions and technical reviews to ensure coherence with Nigeria’s national development plans and global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Focus areas included early warning systems, infrastructure safety, public awareness, risk mapping, and emergency coordination.
Upon adoption, the 2025–2030 strategy will become Nigeria’s primary reference for disaster risk planning, setting the foundation for a more resilient and disaster-ready nation.
