The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with the States Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) and other stakeholders have held a workshop on update of the countrywide risk analysis for Nigeria.
The two-day workshop is convened by NEMA with technical support from UNICEF.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General, NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said that the Country Hazard Risk Analysis is a vital prerequisite for the development and review of the National Contingency Plan.
The D-G was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting, NEMA, Dr Onimode Bandele.
Umar noted that the first risk analysis was carried out in 2021 across all the six Geo- Political Zones of Nigeria with technical support from UNICEF.
According to her, the analysis covered 12 different risks at the Local Government Areas (LGA) including floods: epidemics; and conflict and violence.
She said that the harzard risk analysis provides the risk profile of the country to local government level while ranking them according to their severity and impact.
“This is expected to be reviewed periodically in order to be in tune with present reality of hazards in Nigeria.
“In a like manner, in 2023, the National Contingency Plan, alongside five sub -zonal plans (for 24) states), was launched by NEMA.
“The launch was aimed at disemminating finalised products, including risk analysis, and contingency plans to relevant stakeholders,” Umar said.
The D-G noted that with the changes in the Nigerian risk landscapes, particularly in armed violence , it became imperative to update the risk analysis for the country.
She expressed gratitude to UNICEF for the support.
Also speaking, Mr. Olayinka Afolabi, an Emergency Specialist at UNICEF, said that since 2021, UNICEF has been assisting NEMA in data collection and analysis of hazard risks in Nigeria.
Afolabi said that the collaboration is aimed at enhancing the country’s readiness and response to crises by providing essential baseline information for preparedness and humanitarian actions.
According to him, the collected data serves as a significant reference point for government bodies and development partners, offering a comprehensive view of Nigeria’s risk landscape.
He explained that UNICEF is committed to further supporting NEMA in evaluating changes to the country’s risk profile.
He noted that the ongoing partnership is expected to strengthen NEMA’s ability to coordinate disaster management effectively.
“This collaboration will position NEMA as a key hub for disseminating information to enhance nationwide response interventions.
“Ensuring Nigeria’s improved emergency response capabilities through joint UNICEF and NEMA efforts,” Afolabi said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu acknowledged the effort of the state governor in emergency management in the state.
Oke-Osanyintolu underscored the importance of updating the Harzard risk analysis for the country, describing it as a core part of disaster management.
He expressed gratitude to NEMA and UNICEF for organising the workshop.
The stakeholders at the workshop include States Emergency Managment Agencies SEMA from Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo , Ekiti, Kwara and Edo.
Others included the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Neimet, Primary Health Care Development Agencies from the aforementioned states, among others.
