Abuja: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced developing a National Policy on Relief and Rehabilitation Interventions for Nigeria. The initiative followed a national stakeholders’ consultative workshop held in Abuja on Monday, aimed at harmonising and standardising relief and rehabilitation efforts nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who declared the two-day workshop opened, said the policy would provide a coordinated framework for relief and rehabilitation interventions across the country. She stated that the framework would define stakeholders’ responsibilities, strengthen accountability, and improve operational efficiency. The policy is intended to ensure prompt humanitarian assistance without duplication or gaps in service delivery.
Umar expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its technical and financial support in developing the policy. She also acknowledged development partners and stakeholders for their role in strengthening disaster management and humanitarian response in Nigeria. Mr. Francis Nkoka, the World Bank’s Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the policy development process and described the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing disaster risk management and building a more resilient Nigeria. He also praised the NEMA Director-General for her leadership in the initiative.
The World Food Programme Country Director, Mr. David Stevenson, commended NEMA for initiating the policy development process. Represented by WFP Programme Officer, Mr. Akeem Ajibola, at the workshop, Stevenson remarked that the policy would improve coordination and delivery of relief and rehabilitation interventions nationwide.
Earlier, NEMA’s Acting Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Abbani Garki, emphasised that the workshop sought stakeholders’ inputs for the policy. Garki noted that the policy would be practical, inclusive, and implementable, aiming to harmonise relief interventions and provide clear guidance for humanitarian response nationwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workshop was organised by NEMA with support from the World Bank. Participants included representatives from ministries, departments, and agencies, state governments, emergency agencies, development partners, academia, and humanitarian organisations.