Federal Government Launches Hazard Risk Analysis For Enhanced Disaster Response

Federal Government Launches Hazard Risk Analysis For Enhanced Disaster ResponseThe federal government has officially launched the 2024 Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis to enhance disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts across Nigeria. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s resilience against ecological and climate-related challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the launch event in Abuja on Thursday, emphasized the need for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to address Nigeria’s vulnerability to disasters and climate change, stressing the goal of building a safer and more resilient nation.

“This launch reflects our commitment as a nation to face the uncertainties of our ecological challenges with informed and strategic responses,” Shettima said. “We are determined to protect citizens from ecological risks while also developing the infrastructure and mechanisms required for effective disaster prevention and response.”

According to a statement from Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the report was developed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with technical support from the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). It provides a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s exposure to hazards such as floods, droughts, and public health emergencies. The report aims to equip policymakers, emergency responders, and community leaders with vital data to improve early warning systems and enhance risk mitigation strategies.

The Vice President underscored that the report forms a critical foundation for understanding Nigeria’s disaster risks, enabling the government to shift from reactive to proactive strategies in tackling these challenges. Shettima highlighted recent events, including devastating floods and disease outbreaks like cholera, which have displaced thousands and claimed many lives. These recurring crises underscore the need for robust disaster preparedness.

“While we cannot prevent every disaster, we can certainly reduce their impact by institutionalizing risk assessments and continuously monitoring hazards and vulnerabilities,” Shettima noted. “This analysis is not just a tool—it is a lifeline for building resilient communities.”

He praised NEMA, development partners, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the report, describing it as a landmark achievement for the administration’s proactive approach to governance. “This is not the end of our efforts, but the beginning of a new chapter,” Shettima added. “We must now use this report as a springboard for policies and actions that will make Nigeria more resilient to future risks.”

The Vice President also expressed gratitude to international partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, for their role in strengthening Nigeria’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. “Protecting lives and property is a collective responsibility, and this launch symbolizes the unity needed to build a safer Nigeria,” Shettima concluded.

In his remarks, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, commended the report’s timely release. He reiterated the House of Representatives’ commitment to using the findings to shape legislation aimed at improving crisis management and disaster mitigation in Nigeria.

Dr. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, said the launch of the 2024 Hazard Risk Analysis represents a significant milestone in collective efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response. She emphasized that the document would serve as a vital tool for developing and refining Nigeria’s disaster preparedness plans, helping to establish a safer and more resilient country.

Mrs. Umar added that preparedness is the cornerstone of disaster management and a shared responsibility to ensure swift and effective responses to emergencies.

UNICEF’s Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, also spoke at the event, highlighting that the report provides a comprehensive mapping of hazards such as flash flooding, conflicts, and disease outbreaks across Nigeria, offering a valuable resource for enhancing the country’s disaster management strategies.

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