By Fatima Saka
The Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Special Duties on Wednesday rejected the 2025 budget allocation for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
In response, the committee summoned the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Accountant-General of the Federation to address the issue of inadequate funding for the agency.
The rejection followed a motion moved by both chambers, highlighting concerns over NEMA’s grossly insufficient funding. The motion was adopted by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and Hon. Joseph Bassey, co-chairmen of the committee.
During the session, lawmakers acknowledged NEMA’s interventions during recent disasters, including catastrophic flooding in Borno State. Senator Lawan praised the agency’s presence and efforts, while other lawmakers shared similar testimonies of its critical role.
In her presentation, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, provided an overview of the agency’s 2024 performance and outlined its proposed 2025 budget. She justified the allocations based on strategic goals and operational needs, emphasizing the challenges the agency faces in responding to a wide range of emergencies.
Addressing questions on accountability and funding, Mrs. Umar explained on the disaster response limitations: “Every disaster whether floods, insecurity, or banditry ends up on NEMA’s table. State governments are supposed to act as first responders through their emergency management agencies, but this is not happening consistently.”
On the ecological fund allocation, she said; “NEMA receives approximately ₦1 billion monthly from the ecological fund. However, this amount is inadequate compared to our operational needs. The allocation represents 20% of the 1.46% federal allocation, which barely covers our expenses.”
Operational challenges, she added “For example, during the unprecedented flooding in Borno State, our team was deployed for four weeks, conducting evacuations and other interventions. Despite our efforts, we are constrained by limited resources.”
Speaking to the lawmakers demands, according to the DG “NEMA is inundated daily with memos from legislators requesting interventions. Balancing these demands with limited resources creates tension, especially when expectations exceed our capacity.”
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On salaries and capital expenditure: she said “Staff salaries are managed directly through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). However, CAPEX funding is delayed due to bureaucratic processes, including approval challenges and changes in management.”
Mrs. Umar apologized to lawmakers for perceived gaps in NEMA’s response efforts, reiterating that the agency can only deliver within the limits of its resources. She called for increased collaboration and understanding to enhance the agency’s ability to fulfill its mandate.
The committee resolved to engage key stakeholders, including the summoned ministers and the Accountant-General, to address the funding inadequacies and ensure NEMA is adequately equipped to respond to emergencies across the country.
