Director General National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to partnering with the North West Development Commission (NWDC) to strengthen disaster risk reduction, enhance emergency response, and promote sustainable development across the zone.

She gave the assurance while receiving the Managing Director of NWDC, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to NEMA headquarters in Abuja.

Mrs. Zubaida Umar noted that NEMA remains open to partnerships that advance effective disaster management nationwide, particularly in regions vulnerable to both natural and human-induced hazards. 

“Our doors are open to collaboration. We share a common goal of safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure through proactive planning, knowledge sharing, and coordinated response,” the DG stated.

She urged the Commission to focus on tangible, impact-driven development initiatives, emphasizing that a joint partnership between NEMA and NWDC would strengthen early warning systems, enhance emergency coordination, and build resilience among vulnerable communities.

Mrs. Umar further highlighted the Agency’s extensive operational presence across the country through its operations offices, partnerships with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and the continuous effort to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) — all aimed at bringing emergency response closer to the grassroots.

“NEMA’s strength lies in partnership. The more we connect with sister agencies like the Northwest Development Commission, the stronger our collective capacity becomes to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters effectively,” she added.

Earlier, Professor Ma’aji had said the visit aimed to deepen institutional ties and explore areas of mutual collaboration, particularly in humanitarian interventions, flood management, and post-disaster recovery.

He observed that the North-West region, comprising seven states with a large population, continues to grapple with insecurity, flooding, and displacement, stressing that these challenges demand multi-sectoral collaboration and shared technical expertise.

Professor Ma’aji presented a proposal outlining key areas for partnership, including joint data collection, coordinated interventions, and capacity development for local emergency response units.

He expressed optimism that collaboration with NEMA would eliminate duplication of efforts and ensure more efficient humanitarian outcomes.