Joseph Bakare
The Director General (DG) of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in Nigeria’s disaster risk management and emergency response frameworks.
She gave the assurance Wednesday during a visit by a delegation from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), led by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, to NEMA’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Director General also highlighted the agency’s resolve to strengthen its partnership with the commission, stating that no Nigerian should be left behind in times of crisis. She stressed the importance of reliable and up-to-date data on persons with disabilities, noting that such information is crucial for developing more inclusive and effective disaster response strategies.
She said, “We recognize that people with disabilities face heightened risks during emergencies, and our response mechanisms must reflect that reality.”
Speaking during the visit to NEMA, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Dr. Gufwan, commended the agency for its sustained efforts to consider the specific needs of PWDs in humanitarian interventions. He described the collaboration between the two bodies as “vital to improving the lives of persons with disabilities during emergencies” and expressed appreciation for the agency’s inclusive approach.
Also speaking, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at NEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Usur, highlighted some recent interventions the agency has undertaken to support PWDs. He cited relief efforts in Kano and the Karamajiji community in Abuja, where specialized assistance was provided to meet the unique needs of persons with disabilities.