PRESS RELEASE
FFS SEEKS ENHANCED OPERATIONAL SYNERGY WITH NEMA TO REDUCE DISASTER IMPACT NATIONWIDE
The Federal Fire Service has sought deeper operational synergy with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen national preparedness and reduce the impact of disasters across the country. This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Controller General Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, FCNA, ACTI, to the Director General, NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja, today.
During the visit, the CGF expressed profound appreciation to the DG NEMA for receiving the FFS delegation and commended the Agency’s notable efforts in disaster management nationwide. He noted that while NEMA and the FFS share complementary responsibilities in emergency response, a visible coordination gap still exists; one of the reasons behind the visit.
The CGF explained that the purpose of the engagement was to deepen the working relationship between both agencies, with emphasis on simulation exercises, coordinated operations, and improved preparedness. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the FFS assumes its rightful place within the national emergency management framework under NEMA’s coordination.
He further called for enhanced collaboration in capacity-building, stressing that joint training programmes would significantly improve the competence and readiness of personnel from both agencies. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging NEMA’s Emergency Bays to strengthen emergency response operations across the country.
In addition, the CGF requested closer cooperation in the distribution of relief materials when needed, noting that FFS personnel are prepared to participate actively in technical and operational committees. He emphasized the importance of joint risk assessments and continuous training to reduce the effects of disasters nationwide.
Responding, the Director General, NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, congratulated the CGF on his appointment and praised his proactive leadership. She recognized the Federal Fire Service as a frontline responder and reaffirmed NEMA’s statutory role as the coordinating authority for disaster management in Nigeria.
The DG noted that although collaboration between both agencies exists, there is a need to strengthen it for more effective outcomes. She acknowledged the participation of the FFS in previous NEMA training activities but agreed that such collaborations now require broader and more strategic expansion.
Mrs. Umar also welcomed the idea of FFS personnel working more closely with NEMA teams, including being present during relief distribution exercises. She emphasized that there is considerable opportunity for the FFS to expand its visibility and impact through stronger inter-agency synergy.
On public sensitization, she encouraged joint engagement across NEMA’s operational offices and highlighted NEMA’s Disaster Risk Management Clubs in schools as a valuable platform for partnership. She affirmed NEMA’s readiness to work with the FFS on simulation exercises and to establish dedicated communication channels for timely information-sharing.
She concluded by recommending to the Federal Fire Service the importance of investing in disaster risk reduction rather than relying solely on reactive measures, and encouraged the Service to continue adopting proactive approaches in all its operations.
Signed,
DCF P.O. Abraham, Mphil,MLCG,BL,LLB,ANIPR
National PRO / Head, Corporate Services
Federal Fire Service,
National Headquarters
9/12/2025
