Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to protecting Nigerians and their means of livelihood against ecological and other risks.
Shettima stated this at the inauguration of the 2024 Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts across the country, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Abuja.
The report was inaugurated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with technical support from UNICEF.
It offers a detailed analysis of Nigeria’s vulnerability to hazards such as flood, drought, and public health emergencies.
It also provides policymakers, emergency responders, and community leaders with critical data to improve early warning systems and enhance risk mitigation strategies.
Shettima said the document provided the foundation for understanding the magnitude of the challenges facing Nigeria.
He also said the report would empower the government “to move from reactive to proactive strategies in addressing disasters.
“This launch is a testament to our resolve as a nation to confront the uncertainties of our ecological realities with informed strategies.
“We are committed to protecting citizens from ecological risks while building the infrastructure and mechanisms necessary for disaster prevention and response.
“While we may not prevent every disaster, we can reduce their impact significantly by institutionalising risk assessment and continuously monitoring hazards and vulnerabilities.
“This analysis is not just a tool – it is a lifeline for building community resilience.”
Shettima said the recent devastating floods and outbreak of diseases like cholera had displaced thousands and claimed lives.
“These recurring disasters bring to the fore the urgency of robust preparedness mechanisms,” he said.
Shettima called for enhanced collaboration by stakeholders to address Nigeria’s vulnerabilities to disasters and climate change as well as building a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
He commended NEMA, development partners, and other stakeholders for their dedication in producing the report.
The Vice-President described the report as a landmark achievement that reflected the administration’s focus on proactive governance.
“This is not the conclusion of our efforts; it is the beginning of a new chapter. We must now work together to use this report as a springboard for policies and actions that will make Nigeria more resilient against future risks,” he said.
Shettima also expressed gratitude to international partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, for their contributions to the nation’s disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
“Protecting lives and property is a collective responsibility, and this launch symbolises the unity of purpose that we need to build a safer Nigeria,” Shettima concluded.
Earlier, Mr Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, said the inauguration of the report was timely.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to leveraging the findings of the report to make legislations that would impact crisis management and disaster mitigation.
Kalu identified three key areas of the National Assembly’s legislative support for disaster management to include strengthening of early warning systems; funding for risk mitigation and community-centered interventions.
This, according to him, is aimed at building grassroots capacity for disaster mitigation.
Sen. Kaka Lawan, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, described the inauguration of the report as a giant stride and a step in the right direction.
He pledged the support of the Senate to the actualisation of the mandate of NEMA and other related agencies in the country, especially in enhancing the preparedness of the country to disasters and crises.
By Salisu Sani-Idris
