NEMA, stakeholders meet in Kano to strengthen 2026 emergency preparedness
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kano Operations Office, in collaboration with the Kano and Jigawa State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), has convened a one-day Emergency Preparedness Coordination Stakeholders Meeting aimed at strengthening response capacity ahead of 2026.
The meeting, held on Thursday in Kano, focused on reviewing emergency preparedness and response activities carried out in 2025 and developing strategic plans for improved coordination and effectiveness in the coming year.
The theme of the meeting was “Review of 2025 Emergency Preparedness, and Response Strategic Planning for 2026.”
Speaking at the event, Head of Operations at NEMA Kano Office, Dr. Nura Abdullahi, said the gathering was organised to reflect on past response efforts and reinforce collaboration among relevant agencies and partners.
He explained that the engagement provided an opportunity to assess lessons learned from recent disasters and response operations, with a view to setting a clear and practical agenda for 2026.
According to Abdullahi, the meeting was designed as a forward-looking initiative to boost collective capacity to protect lives and livelihoods through better coordination and preparedness.
He cited the recent Singer Market fire incident in Kano as an example where prompt response and inter-agency cooperation made a significant difference.
He commended the Kano State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service for their swift intervention and professionalism during the incident.
Abdullahi also recognised the support of security agencies, health responders, community volunteers and private sector partners, particularly Aspira Nigeria Ltd., for their roles in emergency response efforts.
He stressed that effective emergency management depends on strong coordination, clear roles and mutual trust among stakeholders, noting that NEMA provides national coordination and technical guidance, while state SEMAs lead community engagement and frontline response.
Fire and security agencies, he added, are critical to rescue and safety operations.
The NEMA official said the meeting was expected to produce a communiqué outlining key resolutions, actionable strategies for 2026 and a roadmap for strengthening emergency response systems across Kano, Jigawa and neighbouring states.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Amina Yar’gaya, described emergency preparedness as a core operational strategy in disaster management.
She emphasised the need for sustained cooperation among stakeholders in developing effective emergency response frameworks.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Kano State SEMA, Alhaji Abdullahi Kubarachi, said the meeting would help relevant agencies prepare for potential disasters, especially flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
He noted that the state government, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, had begun proactive measures to reduce disaster risks.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of Jigawa State SEMA, Hannafi Yakubu-Fagam, said flooding remained a major challenge in the state, particularly when water releases from dams in Kano affect more than 11 local government areas.
He disclosed that the Jigawa Government had intensified public awareness campaigns on disaster risks and approved the purchase of flying boats to improve rescue operations in flood-prone communities.
Stakeholders at the meeting included representatives of the Watershed Management Agency (WAEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross and other partner organisations, who delivered goodwill messages.