NEMA seeks investment in disaster prevention
Nura Abdullahi, Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency, Kano Office, has called for increased investment in disaster prevention and community resilience as a more sustainable approach to managing emergencies.
He stated this when stakeholders from government agencies, security organisations, humanitarian groups, and the media came together in Kano on Monday to deliberate on strengthening disaster preparedness and response capacities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event, themed: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”, brought together stakeholders to commemorate the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Kano.
Abdullahi said the theme underscored the importance of proactive funding and planning to build safer communities and minimise losses from preventable disasters.
“This year’s theme reminds us of the critical importance of investing in prevention, preparedness, and community resilience rather than waiting to respond to crises after they occur.
“As part of this commemoration, we are showcasing our disaster response assets and capacities to build confidence among partners and demonstrate our readiness to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies,” he said
He appreciated stakeholders for their continued collaboration and support toward reducing disaster risks in Kano and neighboring states, emphasising that collective effort was key to sustainable disaster management.
Also speaking, NEMA’s Head of Search and Rescue, Mr Abdulhadi Tukur, stressed that investing in resilience saves more lives and resources compared to post-disaster response.
He reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to strengthening local capacities, training response teams, and fostering community-based preparedness initiatives.
The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Isyaku-Kubarachi, commended NEMA for its partnership and reiterated the state government’s commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction.
“On behalf of Govenor Abba Kabir Yusuf, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to reducing disaster risks and building a safer and more resilient future for all,” he stated.
In his remarks, Kazeem Oyefola-Sholadoye, State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, stressed the importance of fire prevention and forecasting systems to reduce fire outbreaks.
He called for the establishment of a disaster and emergency response trust fund and urged the public to embrace the national fire safety code in building design and infrastructure planning.
“Our role as responders is not just to react but to work proactively with stakeholders to prevent, prepare for, and mitigate the effects of disasters,” Oyefola-Sholadoye said.
NAN reports that during the event, NEMA showcased various emergency response and safety equipment, including personal protective gear, life jackets, search and rescue kits, first aid boxes, and fire safety tools, among others.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Red Cross Society, National Inland Waterways Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Federal Road Safety Corps, among other agencies.
The Federal Government also called for increased investment in disaster preparedness and resilience mechanisms to reduce the impact of disasters in the country.
The government made the call on Monday at the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Abuja, themed “Fund resilience, not disaster.”
The event also featured the unveiling of the National Emergency Management Agency Strategic Plan (2025–2029) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025–2030).
The NEMA Strategic Plan and NDRRS are anchored on risk-informed development, innovation in financing, and stronger institutional collaboration, ensuring that disaster risk management becomes an integral part of planning across all sectors.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that it is wiser, cheaper, and more humane to prepare for disasters before they strike than to rebuild after they destroy.
Shettima said, “Every naira we spend today on preparedness saves many more tomorrow on response and recovery. Every investment in resilience is, in truth, an investment in the lives and futures of our people.
