National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring the full inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s disaster risk management and emergency response systems.
The Director General of the Agency Mrs. Zubaida Umar gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Dr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, who led a delegation to NEMA headquarters in Abuja.
“We recognize that people with disabilities face heightened risks during emergencies, and our response mechanisms must reflect that reality,” Mrs. Umar stated. She emphasized that no Nigerian should be left behind in times of crisis and underscored the need for accurate, up-to-date data on PWDs to inform inclusive disaster response planning.
The NEMA boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the NCPWD to deliver more targeted and accessible humanitarian interventions.
In his remarks, Dr. Gufwan praised NEMA for integrating the needs of persons with disabilities into its humanitarian response framework.
“This collaboration is vital to improving the lives of persons with disabilities during emergencies,” he said, adding that the commission deeply appreciates NEMA’s inclusive approach.
Also speaking during the visit, NEMA’s Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Usur, highlighted recent efforts by the agency to support PWDs. He referenced relief interventions in Kano and the Karamajiji community in Abuja, where specialized assistance was tailored to meet the unique needs of persons with disabilities.
The visit underscores the growing inter-agency collaboration to ensure equitable and inclusive emergency management practices across the country.