NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ACT
Act · Governance
An Act establishes the National Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster response and risk reduction in Nigeria. It targets people affected by emergencies and state agencies for effective preparedness and recovery. This minimizes loss of life and property from disasters.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as the federal body for disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and coordination of humanitarian assistance in Nigeria.
Who Does It Target?
All Nigerians affected by disasters and emergencies State emergency management agencies (SEMAs) International humanitarian organisations Federal Government MDAs involved in emergency response
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Coordinate Nigeria's emergency management system from disaster preparedness through response and recovery, minimising loss of life and property from natural and man-made disasters.
Key Features
Emergency Coordination: NEMA coordinates all federal emergency response activities including floods, drought, and conflict displacement. Disaster Risk Reduction: Promotes disaster preparedness and risk reduction at national and state levels. Humanitarian Assistance: Distributes food, relief materials, and emergency shelter to disaster-affected populations. International Coordination: Coordinates with UN agencies, ICRC, and international NGOs during major emergencies.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active — NEMA is fully operational with zonal offices Coverage: Nationwide emergency management Beneficiaries: Disaster-affected Nigerians; all citizens through preparedness Funding: Federal Government; international humanitarian funding
How to Access
Report emergencies to NEMA: 0800-NEMA (6362) Affected persons: access relief at nearest NEMA distribution point State emergency situations: engage your State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Application method: Emergency: 0800-NEMA. Information at https://www.nema.gov.ng
Important Terms
NEMA operates under the National Emergency Response Framework International humanitarian assistance must be coordinated through NEMA Disaster risk reduction is a constitutional responsibility of all tiers of government
Official Resources
Website: https://www.nema.gov.ng Contact: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the National Security Agencies Act, the Disaster Risk Management Framework, and Nigeria's obligations under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.