The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), under the leadership of Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has initiated a nationwide fire awareness and sensitization campaign.
The program aims to minimize the risk of fire outbreaks during the harmattan season by engaging stakeholders and empowering communities with preventive measures and effective response strategies.
This development was disclosed in a press statement signed by Ezekiel Manzo, Information Department for the agency.
The campaign, spearheaded by NEMA’s Zonal, Territorial, and Operations Offices, is being executed in collaboration with the Federal and State Fire Services. A key highlight of the initiative is the training of Emergency Management Volunteers (EMVs) at the grassroots level. These volunteers will receive practical training in fire prevention and emergency management to address the increased risk of fire incidents during the dry harmattan period.
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In response to the rising occurrence of tanker-related fires, the campaign places particular emphasis on tanker drivers and associated stakeholders. Special sensitization programs are being organized to provide these drivers with essential fire safety training, including preventive measures and emergency response techniques. The campaign also extends to market associations, local businesses, and other key groups to promote widespread adoption of fire prevention practices.
Speaking on the initiative, Mrs. Zubaida Umar emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures during the harmattan season, a time of heightened fire risk.
She noted that the campaign is part of NEMA’s commitment to fostering a culture of disaster prevention and resilience to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods.
“This nationwide sensitization effort reflects NEMA’s dedication to empowering communities and working collaboratively with critical stakeholders such as tanker drivers, market leaders, and grassroots volunteers,” Mrs. Umar stated.
She stressed the importance of collective responsibility in adhering to disaster warnings, preparedness plans, and response protocols to mitigate the impact of fire outbreaks.
The initiative reaffirms NEMA’s mission to build resilient communities through prevention, training, and coordinated action with relevant stakeholders. It underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to reducing disaster risks and ensuring public safety during vulnerable periods like the harmattan season.
