The federal government has officially launched the 2024 Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis, an initiative designed to enhance disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts across Nigeria.
The launch event, which took place on Thursday in Abuja, was attended by key figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who emphasized the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders to address the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change.
A Commitment to Building Resilience
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians from ecological risks, stressing that the analysis serves as a vital step towards proactive disaster management. “This launch is a testament to our resolve as a nation to confront the uncertainties of our ecological realities with informed strategies,” Shettima remarked. He highlighted the importance of building the necessary infrastructure and mechanisms for disaster prevention and response.
The Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis, developed under the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with technical support from the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), provides a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s vulnerability to various hazards, including floods, droughts, and public health emergencies. The report offers policymakers, emergency responders, and community leaders critical data that will improve early warning systems and risk mitigation strategies.
Proactive Approach to Disaster Management
Shettima noted that while not every disaster can be prevented, their impact can be significantly reduced by institutionalizing risk assessments and continuously monitoring vulnerabilities. “This analysis is not just a tool, it is a lifeline for building community resilience,” he emphasized. The Vice President also reflected on recent challenges, including devastating floods and disease outbreaks such as cholera, which have displaced thousands and claimed lives. These recurring disasters underscore the urgency of robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
“This is not the conclusion of our efforts; it is the beginning of a new chapter,” Shettima added, calling for the country to use the findings of the report as a foundation for creating more resilient communities. He also expressed gratitude to international partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, for their support in Nigeria’s disaster preparedness initiatives.
Stakeholder Support and Legislative Action
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the timeliness of the report, reaffirming the House’s commitment to using its findings to inform future legislation on crisis management and disaster mitigation. Kalu stressed the importance of a collective effort in addressing disaster risks, urging that policies based on the report be swiftly implemented.
Dr. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, called the launch a milestone in Nigeria’s disaster preparedness efforts. She emphasized that the report would serve as a vital tool for reviewing and developing Nigeria’s disaster response plans, which will provide the foundation for a safer, more resilient country. “Preparedness is the cornerstone of disaster management,” Dr. Umar stated, reinforcing the shared responsibility to ensure that all actors respond effectively to emergencies.
Contributions from UNICEF and Other Partners
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, highlighted the importance of the report in mapping occurrences such as flash flooding, conflict, and disease outbreaks across the country. She noted that the findings would guide the development of targeted interventions to protect vulnerable communities.
With the launch of the 2024 Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis, the federal government has taken a significant step towards building a safer and more resilient Nigeria, signaling a new era of proactive disaster risk management. The collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, international partners, and the private sector, will be crucial in ensuring the success of these efforts.
