NEMA, Nigerian Air Force Deepen Collaboration on Disaster Response
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have agreed to strengthen their partnership in disaster management, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance across the country.
The agreement followed a meeting between NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
During the visit, Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to closer collaboration with the Air Force, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing increasingly complex emergencies.
She said effective disaster management requires the combined capabilities and resources of relevant government agencies, particularly in search and rescue operations, emergency logistics, humanitarian assistance and capacity building.
The NEMA boss also emphasised the need for stronger coordination between the agency and the Nigerian Air Force Disaster Response Units to ensure the timely mobilisation of military resources whenever emergencies require support for civilian authorities.
Umar commended the Air Force for its longstanding contributions to disaster response and humanitarian operations across Nigeria, assuring that NEMA would continue to strengthen the existing partnership.
Responding, Air Marshal Aneke reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting national disaster management efforts within its constitutional mandate and operational capabilities.
He acknowledged the importance of cooperation between military and civilian institutions in responding to emergencies and assured NEMA of continued assistance whenever required.
Both organisations agreed to intensify joint training, simulation exercises, information sharing and operational coordination to improve the country’s preparedness and response to disasters.
The renewed collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency response capacity, facilitate faster deployment of resources and enhance efforts to protect lives and minimise the impact of disasters nationwide.
