In a recent address during the opening ceremony of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Customer Service Week in Abuja, the Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, urged staff to leverage modern technologies to enhance their emergency management capabilities. The theme for this year’s event, “Above and Beyond,” reflects the dedication and resilience demonstrated by NEMA staff in the face of ongoing challenges within their operational framework. Umar expressed her gratitude for the hard work and commitment shown by the workforce, particularly noting their ability to remain calm and focused during disasters, which is vital for effectively addressing the needs of affected communities. This acknowledgment serves to motivate the staff as they continue to save lives and rebuild communities, emphasizing that their commitment to service significantly shapes the impact of NEMA on disaster recovery.
Mrs. Umar highlighted the transformative power of technology in emergency management, pointing to various tools that have become essential in the field, such as early warning systems and disaster mapping technology. She urged staff to embrace innovation, arguing that adopting modern methodologies is crucial for improving operational processes and ensuring better service to the public. Umar’s call for an integration of new technologies into daily practices is indicative of a forward-thinking approach that aims to enhance responsiveness and preparedness against future emergencies. Her vision encourages staff not only to adopt new tools but also to rethink traditional methods of operation in order to effectively adapt to a rapidly changing environmental landscape.
Collaboration and teamwork were recurrent themes in Umar’s address, as she emphasized the need for departmental synergy and collective action to tackle the complexities inherent in emergency situations. She asserted that a cooperative spirit among staff can significantly improve the agency’s overall efficacy and impact. As the agency celebrates Customer Service Week, this sentiment reinforces the importance of unity in purpose as they strive to meet their objectives more effectively. The push for a stronger, more cohesive organizational culture is essential for ensuring that the agency remains agile and responsive, cementing its role as a vital support system for communities during emergencies.
Adding to this sentiment, Dr. Onimode Bandele, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, reassured attendees of the staff’s commitment to the agency’s overarching goals. He emphasized the importance of doubling efforts to not only maintain but also enhance the agency’s effectiveness in addressing emergency management challenges. Dr. Bandele’s remarks reflect a shared commitment to advancing the capabilities and reach of NEMA, ensuring that the agency remains equipped to meet the demands of disaster response and management. His dedication highlights the pivotal role of strategic planning in achieving the mission of NEMA.
The importance of exceptional customer service within the humanitarian sector was further emphasized by Mr. Bello Danlami, the Information Officer of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). He commended NEMA for its high-quality services and underscored the positive impact they have on the lives of countless individuals faced with crisis situations in Nigeria. Danlami’s remarks underscore the critical intersection between effective emergency response and the delivery of humanitarian aid. By acknowledging NEMA’s professionalism, he reinforced the notion that sustaining strong partnerships is essential in collectively addressing humanitarian challenges, thereby fostering a sense of communal responsibility toward disaster management.
Lastly, the National Coordinator of the Service Compact with All Nigerians, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, represented by SERVICOM Officer Ms. Rebecca Abah, echoed the call for exemplary customer service within NEMA. She emphasized the necessity of prioritizing customer needs, regardless of their diversity, and highlighted the importance of preparing communities for potential emergencies. Akajemeli’s assertion that all levels of NEMA’s hierarchy must be committed to going “Above and Beyond” in their service provision resonates with the overarching objective of creating a culture of excellence. Her focus on inclusivity in service delivery emphasizes that quality services must be a collective effort, ensuring all citizens receive the necessary support and care during crises. Together, these perspectives encapsulate the commitment of NEMA’s leadership and staff to enhance emergency management practitioners’ effectiveness in Nigeria, through innovation, teamwork, and unwavering service delivery.
