By Gloria Ikibah
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and members of the National Assembly Committees overseeing emergency and disaster management have held a high-level retreat to deepen legislative collaboration and boost the agency’s institutional strength for more effective disaster management across Nigeria.
The retreat, themed “Building a Resilient Nigeria: Strengthening Legislative Collaboration for Effective Emergency Management,” brought together lawmakers from both chambers and senior NEMA officials to explore practical strategies for better policy alignment, oversight, and resource mobilisation in support of NEMA’s mandate. 
In her keynote address, the Director-General NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, said the dialogue was designed to bridge gaps between the legislature and the agency on critical issues of preparedness, response, and risk reduction.
She explained that the engagement aims to “harmonise NEMA’s relationship with the National Assembly, align on policy direction, and secure legislative support for sustainable investment, institutional reforms, and stronger national resilience.”
Umar emphasised that the rising complexity of disasters nationwide calls for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response supported by clear legislation, adequate funding, and strong political will. She added that closer collaboration with the National Assembly is essential to empower NEMA in its core functions, from proactive disaster prevention and community resilience to early warning systems.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, represented by Senator Abdul Ningi, commended NEMA for convening the retreat as a platform for constructive dialogue.
He reaffirmed the readiness of the legislature to reinforce Nigeria’s disaster management framework through stronger oversight and legislative action.
He noted that the growing frequency and intensity of disasters require better coordination, swift legislative responses, and sustained budgetary commitment to safeguard lives and national assets.
Likewise, Chairman House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management, Rep. Joseph Bassey, pointed out key challenges hindering effective disaster response, including inadequate funding, limited equipment, and the need for continuous training of emergency personnel.
He emphasised that the responsibility of NEMA goes far beyond relief distribution, calling for increased budgetary prioritisation and institutional reforms to enable the agency to address disasters more proactively and strategically.
“NEMA is not only about relief. There are critical funding and equipment needs that must be met to build a professional, well-resourced system capable of protecting lives and livelihoods”, he said.
Rep. Bassey also urged the government to ensure the prompt release of approved funds, while encouraging the creation of innovative funding models to boost disaster preparedness and response efforts at the federal, state, and community levels.
A key highlight of the retreat was a panel session titled “Repositioning Nigeria’s Emergency Management Framework: The Role of the National Assembly.”
During the discussion, panellists applauded NEMA for initiating the dialogue, describing it as a vital step towards building a more resilient and coordinated emergency management system.
They called on the National Assembly Committees responsible for oversight to demonstrate stronger commitment through deeper institutional collaboration, more robust legislative scrutiny, and the removal of policy and legal barriers that hinder effective disaster response.
The session also emphasised the need for greater investment in disaster-risk reduction measures and modern emergency-response infrastructure across the country, to ensure communities are better equipped to withstand future crises.
