Disaster: NEMA Strengthens Zonal System For Faster, Coordinated Response


The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says its strengthened zonal coordination structure is improving disaster prevention, rapid response, and post-emergency recovery in the North West.

Mr. Sani Lokoja, NEMA North West Zonal Director, stated this on Wednesday,  during a media interaction in Kaduna.

Lokoja said the agency’s zonal system was designed to bridge national policy with local action, ensuring quicker decisions and better coordination across multiple states.

“Our structure strengthens collaboration, speeds up response, and connects communities directly to national support,” he said.

He noted that the media remained a key partner in disaster management through accurate reporting, public enlightenment, and timely dissemination of safety information.

“We see the media not just as observers but as frontline partners in safeguarding communities,” Lokoja said.

He explained that NEMA’s work covers preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and reconstruction to protect lives, livelihoods, and national assets.

Lokoja said the creation of zonal directorates had enhanced regional coordination and accountability, while the operations offices focus on tactical field deployments.

He cited recent interventions after floods, fires, and communal displacements in Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

The director said the zonal office also coordinated the safe reception and reintegration of Nigerian returnees from neighbouring countries in partnership with government and international humanitarian agencies.

He listed the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Armed Forces, Red Cross, and other partners among those supporting NEMA’s unified disaster response framework.

“Disaster management succeeds only when all actors work together with shared responsibility,” Lokoja said.

He said the agency was carrying out community sensitisation in high-risk areas and training volunteers in Kano, Kebbi, and Sokoto States to strengthen early warning and first response capacity.

Lokoja identified climate-related disasters, insecurity, and low public awareness as major challenges affecting access and response operations.

“Our mandate is coordination, not duplication,” he stressed, pledging continued collaboration with partners to support affected persons and communities.

He urged the media and community leaders to intensify public awareness on disaster prevention and preparedness across the zone.

Lokoja’s first 100 days in office have seen improved coordination with state emergency agencies, faster relief delivery during disasters, and stronger partnerships with security and humanitarian actors across the region.

NEMA’s North West Zonal Directorate coordinates emergency response in seven states: Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

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