The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic collaboration to enhance disaster response, mitigate risks, and support riverine communities affected by hydro-related ecological challenges.
The commitment was made on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, during a courtesy visit by the management of N-HYPPADEC, led by its Acting Managing Director, Dr. Jimoh Haruna Gabi, to NEMA Headquarters in Abuja.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, while responding to the request for partnership, reaffirmed NEMA’s readiness to work with N-HYPPADEC in advancing grassroots disaster risk reduction, early warning, and response interventions.
She stressed the importance of shifting focus from reactive emergency response to proactive risk reduction and community resilience-building.
She added that “We must prioritize prevention and preparedness, helping communities relocate to safer grounds, improve sanitation, and build local capacity. Working in silos only weakens outcomes. It’s time we align our efforts for greater impact.”
The Director General further affirmed NEMA’s commitment to providing technical expertise, early warning support, and strategic coordination in collaboration with N-HYPPADEC and other stakeholders to reach the most vulnerable populations.
“We welcome all relevant agencies to collaborate with us in delivering timely, coordinated, and impactful interventions.”
As part of NEMA’s proactive flood preparedness strategy, she informed the delegation that State Governments had been requested to identify and designate safe high-ground locations for the potential evacuation of at-risk communities during the 2025 flood season.
Earlier, Dr. Gabi said his team was at NEMA headquarters to explore opportunity for collaboration and strengthening of partnership with the Agency
“For too long, dam-side communities have suffered from floods, erosion,” Dr. Gabi stated. “We have seen NEMA’s exceptional work and are eager to collaborate in ways that produce real, lasting impact.”
Both agencies acknowledged the importance of leveraging their zonal and state-level structures to enhance service delivery at the grassroots.
