The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, appeared before the Joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives to defend the agency’s 2025 budget proposal. This high-stakes engagement, held on January 15, 2025, reflects the growing urgency to equip NEMA with the resources needed to confront the country’s escalating disaster risks. As climate change, insecurity, and rapid urbanisation continue to expose millions to vulnerabilities, the conversation around adequate funding for disasteranagement has never been more critical. Mrs. Umar’s presentation not only highlighted NEMA’s achievements in 2024 but also set the stage for a compelling case for increased investment in protecting lives, livelihoods, and national infrastructure.
The joint session brought together key stakeholders from both legislative chambers, comprising members of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, led by Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey. Senator Lawan presided over the meeting, while Hon. Bassey served as co-chair. Their collaborative oversight underscores the growing recognition of the need for robust legislative support in enhancing the country’s disaster management architecture.
During her presentation, Mrs. Umar delivered a comprehensive account of NEMA’s budget performance for the 2024 fiscal year. She highlighted the agency’s achievements, challenges, and areas that require critical interventions. The DG underscored how the allocated funds for 2024 were judiciously utilized to execute numerous emergency response operations, risk reduction initiatives, and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening community resilience against disasters.
Among the notable accomplishments in 2024 were NEMA’s swift response to flood incidents in several states, the provision of relief materials to internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the agency’s proactive measures in disaster risk reduction through community sensitisation and early warning systems. Mrs. Umar pointed out that despite these achievements, challenges such as climate-induced disasters, increasing population vulnerabilities, and limited logistics continue to strain the agency’s operational capacity.
Turning to the 2025 budget proposal, Mrs. Umar outlined strategic allocations tailored to address existing gaps and enhance NEMA’s preparedness and response capabilities. The proposed budget emphasised increased investment in early warning systems, emergency response infrastructure, staff training, and community-based disaster risk reduction programmes. She justified the estimates by aligning them with NEMA’s strategic objectives, particularly the need to strengthen coordination with state emergency agencies, improve response time, and expand relief outreach to affected populations.
Following Mrs. Umar’s detailed presentation, members of the Joint Committee engaged in critical discussions regarding the budget estimates. Lawmakers scrutinized various components of the proposal, raising pertinent questions on how the funds would be deployed to address Nigeria’s evolving disaster landscape. This engagement reflects the legislature’s commitment to ensuring that public funds are allocated effectively and deliver tangible outcomes for Nigerians.
The deliberations culminated in the adoption of a motion for further legislative action to review and potentially adjust NEMA’s budgetary allocations. This development signals the lawmakers’ acknowledgment of the need for increased funding to enable NEMA to meet the growing demands of emergency and disaster management in the country.
Senator Lawan and Hon. Bassey both commended NEMA’s performance in 2024, recognising the agency’s pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of disasters and providing critical support to vulnerable communities. The lawmakers emphasised the importance of sustained and enhanced funding for NEMA to scale up its operations and proactively address emerging risks. They also called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and community engagement to ensure a more inclusive and effective disaster management framework.
Nigeria faces an array of complex and interconnected challenges ranging from natural disasters like flooding and drought to man-made crises such as communal conflicts and displacement. The frequency and intensity of these disasters have been exacerbated by climate change, urbanisation, and socio-economic pressures, leaving millions vulnerable. In this context, NEMA’s role as the apex disaster management agency is more critical than ever.
However, the effectiveness of NEMA in fulfilling its mandate is heavily dependent on the adequacy of its funding. Limited resources constrain the agency’s ability to pre-position relief materials, invest in disaster risk reduction, and deploy timely responses during emergencies. Therefore, increased budgetary allocations are not merely financial decisions but strategic investments in national security, human welfare, and sustainable development.
The 2025 budget proposal presents an opportunity for the federal government to prioritize disaster management as a core component of national development. With adequate funding, NEMA can strengthen its early warning systems, expand training for emergency responders, modernize logistics and equipment, and deepen partnerships with state emergency agencies and international partners.
Moreover, investment in community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives can empower vulnerable communities to take proactive steps in safeguarding lives and property. This grassroots approach aligns with global best practices in disaster management, recognizing that resilience begins at the community level.
As the National Assembly embarks on a thorough review of NEMA’s budget estimates, it is imperative for lawmakers to recognise the urgency of adequately funding disaster management efforts. Beyond legislative oversight, there is a need for sustained political will to prioritize emergency preparedness and risk reduction in national planning.
Public support is equally crucial. Nigerians must understand the importance of proactive disaster management and engage in community-led initiatives that complement government efforts. Awareness campaigns, volunteerism, and adherence to safety advisories are essential components of a resilient society.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar’s presentation before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly is a testament to NEMA’s commitment to accountability and strategic planning in fulfilling its mandate. The constructive engagement between NEMA and the legislators highlights a shared responsibility in safeguarding lives and property against the rising tide of disasters.
The commendation from lawmakers is encouraging, but it must translate into concrete action—most notably, through the approval of sufficient budgetary allocations that empower NEMA to deliver on its critical mission. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of disaster management in the face of growing risks, bolstering NEMA’s capacity is not just a necessity but an imperative for national stability and development.
The decisions made in the coming weeks regarding the 2025 budget will significantly impact how well Nigeria can prepare for and respond to disasters. Strengthening NEMA through enhanced funding and strategic support is the pathway to building a safer, more resilient nation.