The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for greater public involvement in disaster prevention, warning that protecting lives and property requires more than government intervention during emergencies.
The agency stressed that households, schools and communities must take responsibility for identifying potential hazards and adopting preventive measures before disasters occur.
Head of Operations at NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, Hussaini Isah, made the appeal on Wednesday during activities commemorating the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Niger State.
The annual observance, marked globally on October 13, seeks to promote awareness of disaster risks and encourage practical steps towards building safer and more resilient communities.
This year’s theme, “Resilience Starts at Home,” highlights the importance of individual and household preparedness in reducing the consequences of emergencies.
According to Isah, simple actions such as maintaining clean surroundings, clearing blocked drainage channels and preparing emergency plans can significantly reduce exposure to preventable disasters.
He also encouraged residents to pay attention to early warning information and respond promptly whenever potential threats are identified.
The NEMA official explained that disaster management should be viewed as a shared responsibility involving government institutions, emergency responders, families and individuals.
While public agencies provide warnings, education, coordination and emergency assistance, he maintained that citizens have an equally important role in ensuring safety within their immediate environments.
As part of the commemoration, NEMA organised a sensitisation road walk to encourage residents to embrace disaster preparedness.
Students who participated in the programme were urged to extend the lessons beyond the event by educating their relatives, friends and neighbours.
Isah described young people as important advocates for community safety, noting that their involvement could help establish responsible habits at the grassroots.
Also speaking, NEMA’s Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, Dr Zainab Ndanusa, emphasised the value of equipping students with practical knowledge about emergency situations.
She explained that understanding potential hazards and appropriate responses could help young people protect themselves and others during disasters.
Ndanusa encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their homes and schools rather than treating the exercise as a one-day activity.
A representative of the Niger State Fire Service, Audu Yohana, similarly stressed the importance of prevention.
He observed that although disasters cannot always be avoided, adequate preparation can reduce their severity and minimise damage.
Yohana warned that inadequate preventive measures could lead to substantial recovery costs alongside the loss of lives and property.
The event brought together representatives of several emergency and security organisations, including the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigerian Red Cross Society.
Officials of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Niger State Fire Service also participated.
The agencies reinforced the message that effective disaster risk reduction begins with everyday safety decisions made by individuals and communities.
