The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening awareness and implementation of Nigeria’s Mass Fatality Response Plan.
The plan was developed in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure a coordinated, dignified, and effective approach to managing fatalities during large-scale disasters and emergencies.
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Mrs. Umar gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the ICRC at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit is part of ongoing engagements between NEMA and the ICRC aimed at advancing the implementation of the framework, which outlines procedures for handling mass casualty incidents across the country.
She commended the ICRC for its sustained partnership, describing the Mass Fatality Response Plan as a vital component of Nigeria’s disaster management system, particularly in light of increasingly complex emergencies.
While noting that the document has been widely circulated, the NEMA Director-General stressed the need for more deliberate and coordinated actions to boost awareness and ensure full implementation at all levels.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Operations of the ICRC delegation, Mr. Yannick, said the plan clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and standard procedures for managing mass fatality situations.
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He acknowledged the progress made in developing and rolling out the framework but emphasized the urgent need to move beyond policy development to practical implementation.