The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, joined key stakeholders in a pivotal roundtable meeting on the “Anticipatory Action Framework for Nigeria.” The event, held under the auspices of the Office of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), brought together experts from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other critical organizations.
This one-day meeting, hosted in Abuja, aimed to establish a unified framework to bolster anticipatory action in addressing climate-related disasters across Nigeria. Discussions centered on innovative strategies for prevention, mitigation, and collaboration among agencies, with a particular focus on best practices for disaster management and risk reduction.
In his opening remarks, the Vice President, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasized the administration's commitment to a systematic and strategic approach to humanitarian coordination. He noted that President Tinubu's directive underscores the need for strengthened collaboration among governmental and international partners to safeguard Nigerian communities from the increasing impacts of natural disasters.
Trond Jensen, the Head of UNOCHA Nigeria, lauded the high-level participation and reiterated the importance of collective efforts. "This collaboration benefits not just the institutions involved but, most importantly, Nigerians in need of humanitarian assistance. It is a partnership we must continue to nurture," he said.
The NIHSA Director-General, in his address, highlighted the critical role of accurate hydrological data in forecasting and mitigating disasters, particularly flooding. He noted that proactive measures are essential in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events.
“Anticipatory action is no longer a choice but a necessity,” Mohammed remarked. He further stressed the importance of multi-agency synergy, stating, “Our collaboration with NIMET, NEMA, and other stakeholders will ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to disaster preparedness and response.”
NIHSA reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging its expertise in hydrology to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts. Mohammed assured attendees that the agency would contribute significantly to the development of a robust anticipatory action framework, thereby equipping communities with the tools to withstand future climate challenges.
The roundtable concluded with a consensus to prioritize anticipatory action in Nigeria's disaster management framework, reflecting the shared vision of national and international stakeholders to mitigate risks and protect lives.
Tags
News