The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has called on staff to adopt modern technologies to enhance their effectiveness in emergency management. She made the appeal during the opening ceremony of NEMA’s Customer Service Week, themed “Above and Beyond,” held in Abuja on Monday.
During her speech, Umar praised the resilience and dedication of the agency’s workforce, highlighting their critical role in disaster response. “In times of disaster, your ability to stay calm and focused on the needs of those affected is invaluable. The stories of lives saved and communities rebuilt reflect your dedication to service,” she stated.
She further encouraged staff to embrace innovation in emergency management through technologies such as early warning systems and disaster mapping. “Let us embrace innovation to improve our processes and serve the public better,” Umar emphasized.
Umar also underscored the importance of teamwork, urging collaboration across departments and with partners to tackle complex emergencies effectively. “By supporting one another, we can achieve greater success in our mission,” she added, reaffirming NEMA’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and teamwork.
In his address, Dr. Onimode Bandele, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, echoed Umar’s sentiments, pledging the staff’s commitment to intensifying their efforts to meet the agency’s objectives. He emphasized that the agency would continue to enhance its overall impact and effectiveness.
Mr. Bello Danlami, Information Officer at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), praised NEMA’s high-quality services. He acknowledged the agency’s significant role in ensuring public safety during crises, while reiterating UNOCHA’s commitment to strengthening their partnership with NEMA in addressing humanitarian challenges.
Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator of the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM), represented by Ms. Rebecca Abah, also commended NEMA’s focus on customer service. She emphasized that prioritizing citizens’ needs is essential in preparing communities for emergencies. “Going ‘Above and Beyond’ in meeting customer needs requires everyone’s commitment, from the front desk to top management,” Akajemeli said.
NEMA’s Customer Service Week serves as a platform to reinforce the agency’s dedication to improving service delivery and advancing its mission to provide critical disaster relief and emergency services across Nigeria.