CDS receives NEMA DG, highlights agency's disaster management benefits

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajia Zubaida Umar, was received by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The visit was prompted by the DG’s positive report on the significant support extended by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to NEMA’s efforts.

General Musa, who congratulated Hajia Zubaida on her recent appointment, acknowledged the substantial contributions of NEMA in disaster management and resilience building.

He highlighted the AFN’s ongoing support for NEMA and underscored the importance of the agency’s work in improving lives and addressing disaster challenges in Nigeria.

Hajia Zubaida expressed her profound appreciation for the AFN’s support, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration in fulfilling NEMA’s mandate amidst increasing disaster incidents and conflicts driven by climate change and resource competition.

She praised the AFN’s Disaster Response Units (DRUs) for their vital role in saving lives and restoring normalcy, noting that the agency relies heavily on their assistance.

The NEMA DG commended the AFN for its provision of security, airlift of relief items, and evacuation services, describing these efforts as exemplary support to civil authorities.

She also acknowledged the ongoing capacity-building initiatives for AFN personnel and the joint simulation exercises conducted to prepare for various disaster scenarios.

Also, she intimated the CDS with NEMA’s flood disaster preparedness and mitigation plans as the rainy season approaches and urged the CDS to enhance the preparedness of the Military DRUs to mitigate potential flood impacts.