Nigeria Launches Joint Pilot Programme to Mitigate Environmental Hazards

Strategic Insights -

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the World Bank have collaborated to launch a joint pilot programme in Kano State, Nigeria, aimed at reducing the impact of flooding and other environmental hazards. The programme, part of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP and R) programme, includes evacuation readiness, infrastructure risk assessments, and collaboration with state ministries. The initiative seeks to advance early warning systems, enhance community preparedness, and improve inter-agency coordination. The Kano State Governor reaffirmed the state's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and safety measures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint pilot programme includes evacuation readiness, infrastructure risk assessments, and collaboration with state ministries to mitigate the impact of flooding and other environmental hazards.
  • The programme is part of the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP and R) programme, aiming to advance early warning systems, enhance community preparedness, and improve inter-agency coordination.
  • Kano State is one of seven Nigerian states selected by the World Bank due to its heightened vulnerability to seasonal flooding.
  • The programme is part of the World Bank's wider engagement in Africa, where climate-related disasters have strained public resources and threatened livelihoods.
  • The initiative seeks to build scalable solutions that can be replicated across the continent.
  • Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, Onimode Bandele, emphasized the programme's goal to strengthen emergency coordination and refine disaster management mechanisms.
  • World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Mr Francis Nkoka, added that aligning disaster risk reduction with economic planning is critical for safeguarding both people and local economies.
  • Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, reaffirmed the state's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and safety measures, citing ongoing road construction, drainage expansion, and the provision of life-saving equipment.
  • The workshop drew participation from NEMA, the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other partners, highlighting the need for collaborative frameworks to address disaster risks.

Statistics:

  • Seven Nigerian states have been selected by the World Bank to participate in the joint pilot programme due to their heightened vulnerability to seasonal flooding.
  • Kano State is among the selected states, with the programme aiming to improve inter-agency coordination and community preparedness.
  • The initiative is part of the World Bank's wider engagement in Africa, where climate-related disasters have resulted in significant losses.
  • The World Bank has emphasized the importance of aligning disaster risk reduction with economic planning to safeguard people and local economies.

Sources:

  • "Nigeria: NEMA, World Bank Launch Joint Pilot Programme to Mitigate Floods." Voice of Nigeria, 22 September 2025.
  • World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Mr Francis Nkoka.
  • Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.