The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a nationwide fire awareness and sensitization campaign aimed at reducing the risk of fire outbreaks during the harmattan season.
This initiative seeks to engage key stakeholders and empower communities with preventive measures and response strategies.
Implemented through NEMA’s Zonal Territorial and Operations Offices, the campaign is carried out in collaboration with the Federal and State Fire Services. A central focus of the initiative is the training of Emergency Management Volunteers (EMVs) at the grassroots level. These volunteers will be equipped with the practical knowledge and skills needed to prevent and manage fire emergencies, addressing the increasing frequency of fire incidents during the dry harmattan period.
In light of rising tanker fires, NEMA is dedicating special attention to tanker drivers and related stakeholders. Through targeted sensitization programs, drivers will receive essential fire safety training, including preventive practices and emergency response techniques.
The campaign also targets market associations, local businesses, and other stakeholders to encourage widespread adoption of fire prevention measures.
Speaking on the campaign, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, stressed the importance of proactive measures during the harmattan season, which is prone to heightened fire risks. She emphasized that the initiative aims to foster a culture of disaster prevention, ensuring the protection of lives, property, and livelihoods.
Umar highlighted that the nationwide effort reflects NEMA’s commitment to empowering communities and collaborating with key stakeholders, such as tanker drivers, market leaders, and grassroots volunteers. She further emphasized the need for collective responsibility in adhering to disaster warnings, preparedness, and response mechanisms to mitigate the loss of lives and property.
The Director General concluded that the campaign reaffirms NEMA’s dedication to building resilient communities through prevention, training, and collaborative action.
