NEMA, NIGERIAN AIR FORCE STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP ON EMERGENCY RESPONSE

NEMA, NIGERIAN AIR FORCE STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP ON EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enhance national preparedness and response to disasters and other emergencies.

Mrs Zubaida Umar stated this during a visit to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 29th September 2026.

The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore measures to further strengthen existing collaboration, particularly in search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, emergency logistics and capacity building.

Mrs Zubaida Umar said NEMA places a high premium on inter-agency collaboration, noting that the increasing complexity of emergencies requires the coordinated deployment of available national capabilities and resources.

She further highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination between NEMA and the Nigerian Air Force Disaster Response Units to facilitate timely mobilisation and deployment whenever military support to civil authorities is required during emergencies.

Mrs Zubaida Umar expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its longstanding support to NEMA and other civil authorities during emergency operations across the country and assured that the Agency would continue to deepen the partnership.

Responding, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to supporting national disaster management efforts within its constitutional responsibilities and capabilities.

He acknowledged the importance of effective collaboration between the military and civil authorities in responding to emergencies and assured NEMA of the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force in areas where its capabilities are required.

Both organisations agreed on the need to sustain engagement, joint capacity building, simulation exercises, information sharing and operational coordination to further enhance Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response architecture.

The visit further reinforces the longstanding partnership between NEMA and the Nigerian Air Force towards protecting lives, reducing the impact of disasters and strengthening national resilience.

29th September, 2026