Nigeria and Japan Strengthen Partnership for Enhanced Disaster Risk Management
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Nigeria and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have renewed their strategic partnership, solidifying their commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s disaster risk management capabilities. This renewed collaboration comes as Nigeria faces increasing challenges posed by climate change and its associated extreme weather events, including devastating floods, droughts, heatwaves, and disease outbreaks. Both agencies recognize the critical need for enhanced preparedness, response, and recovery mechanisms to effectively address these escalating risks.
NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed gratitude for JICA’s past support, highlighting the significant contribution of a ¥500 million grant in 2014. This grant facilitated the acquisition of crucial disaster management infrastructure, including six high-tech mobile water treatment plants, nine rapid response vehicles, and two mobile command vehicles equipped with comprehensive disaster response gear. Furthermore, Mrs. Umar commended JICA’s continued engagement through the Access to Mobility Initiative, which has ensured ongoing staff training and insurance coverage for these valuable assets, maximizing their effectiveness and longevity.
Acknowledging Japan’s global leadership in disaster risk reduction, Mrs. Umar emphasized the country’s instrumental role in shaping international protocols and best practices. She referenced Japan’s significant contributions to the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015), the Kyoto Protocol (1997), and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) as examples of Japan’s commitment to global disaster resilience. NEMA’s participation in various capacity-building programs hosted by the Japanese government, such as the International Conference on Large Scale Disasters in Sendai City and the International Recovery Forum in Kobe, underscores the importance of knowledge sharing and international collaboration in disaster management.
Looking ahead, NEMA has identified key areas requiring further support from JICA. With the 2025 rainy season already impacting Nigeria, Mrs. Umar stressed the urgent need for additional emergency response tools and capacity-building initiatives to equip NEMA staff with the necessary skills and resources to effectively manage disaster situations. She also highlighted the importance of developing a National Risk Atlas for Nigeria, a comprehensive tool that would guide the country’s disaster risk reduction strategies and support the sustainable recovery of communities affected by climate-related disasters. This atlas would provide a crucial framework for assessing and mitigating risks, enabling a more proactive and targeted approach to disaster management.
Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, JICA’s Nigeria Chief Representative, reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s disaster management aspirations. He emphasized the pivotal role of strong government institutions and well-trained personnel in effective disaster preparedness and recovery, highlighting JICA’s long-standing experience in working with partner countries worldwide on disaster countermeasures. Mr. Susumu underscored JICA’s focus on nurturing robust government institutions, facilitating effective disaster preparedness, ensuring swift and efficient responses to disasters, and supporting effective recovery and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of disasters. This holistic approach recognizes the importance of building capacity across all phases of disaster management.
The renewed partnership between NEMA and JICA signifies a crucial step towards strengthening Nigeria’s resilience to disasters. By combining Japan’s expertise and resources with Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its disaster management capabilities, the two nations aim to build a more robust and effective framework for mitigating risks, responding to emergencies, and fostering sustainable recovery in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. This collaborative effort will contribute to a safer and more resilient future for Nigeria, equipping the nation to effectively address the growing complexities of disaster management in a changing climate. The strengthened partnership promises to foster greater collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, ensuring Nigeria is better prepared to navigate the challenges and uncertainties posed by natural disasters.
