NEMA Begins Drafting National Policy to Strengthen Disaster Relief, Rehabilitation

NEMA Begins Drafting National Policy to Strengthen Disaster Relief, Rehabilitation

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced the development of a National Policy for Relief and Rehabilitation Intervention (NPRRI) aimed at strengthening disaster response and improving coordination of humanitarian interventions across Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening of the National Stakeholders’ Workshop on the drafting of the policy, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said Nigeria is witnessing increasingly frequent and complex disasters, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive national framework to guide relief and rehabilitation efforts.

She noted that while significant progress has been made in emergency response over the years, the absence of a unified national policy has created gaps in coordination, implementation and operational standards.

According to her, the proposed policy will provide a clear framework for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating relief and rehabilitation interventions nationwide, ensuring a more effective and efficient response to disasters.

Mrs. Umar expressed confidence that the expertise and contributions of participants at the stakeholders’ workshop would produce a robust policy document capable of establishing enduring standards for disaster relief and rehabilitation in Nigeria.

She also commended the World Bank for supporting the development of the policy and appreciated development partners and other stakeholders for their continued commitment to strengthening disaster management and humanitarian response across the country.

The initiative is expected to enhance collaboration among government agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners while improving support for disaster-affected communities nationwide.

NEMA Begins Drafting National Policy to Strengthen Disaster Relief, Rehabilitation