The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says it has put its nationwide preparedness systems on alert to ensure swift intervention in the event of emergencies during the festive season and afterwards.
The Director-General of the agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja while leading NEMA personnel on a physical fitness exercise. She also appealed to Nigerians to prioritise safety throughout the Yuletide celebrations.
NEMA, which coordinates disaster management and emergency response across the country, works with Federal, State and local authorities to reduce the impact of natural and man-made disasters.
The agency’s Head of Press, Manzo Ezekiel, explained that the exercise, which featured a route march of about five kilometres, was organised to enhance physical fitness, teamwork and operational readiness among staff, in line with NEMA’s role as a frontline emergency coordination agency.
Ezekiel said that Umar expressed satisfaction with the performance of staff, stressing that physical conditioning remains vital to effective emergency response, particularly during periods of increased human and vehicular movement.
“She assured Nigerians that NEMA has activated its preparedness mechanisms nationwide and is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, emergency responders, and other critical bodies, to ensure a rapid response to any emergency during the festive period.
“The Director-General urged the public to remain safety-conscious throughout the celebrations, advising motorists to avoid speeding, adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise caution on the roads, waterways, at public gatherings, and in residential areas,” Ezekiel said in a statement.
Umar further reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to safeguard lives and property, adding that NEMA’s zonal, territorial and state offices are on standby to ensure timely intervention throughout the Yuletide season and beyond.
Also speaking, the Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Bature Usman, described the exercise as a routine initiative aimed at keeping personnel physically and mentally fit for emergency duties at all times.
According to the statement, the exercise also drew participation from key partners, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in effective disaster response.