Nigeria: National disaster framework

The National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF) provides a mechanism that serves as a regulatory guideline for effective and efficient disaster management in Nigeria.

Some of the framework's objectives are:

- Establish functional disaster management institutions at all levels of governance to prepare for, prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from disaster events in Nigeria.
- Develop capacity of relevant institutions and stakeholders for effective and efficient disaster management in Nigeria.

The Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) shall by this policy perform the following disaster management functions:

a. Formulate policy on all activities relating to disaster management in Nigeria;
b. Coordinate the activities of other stakeholders in Disaster Management.
c. Co-ordinate plans and programmes for efficient and effective response to disasters in the country;
d. Co-ordinate and promote research activities relating to disaster management in the country;
e. Monitor the state of preparedness of all organizations and agencies which may contribute to disaster management in Nigeria;
f. Collate data and report from relevant agencies to enhance forecasting, planning and field operations of disaster management;
g. Educate the public on disaster prevention and control measures;
h. Co-ordinate and facilitate the provision of necessary resources for search and rescue and other types of disaster curtailment activities;
i. Co-ordinate and support the activities of non-governmental organizations and development partners engaged in disaster management in the country.
j. Mobilize financial and technical resources from private sector, international non-governmental organisations and development partners for the purpose of disaster management in Nigeria;
k. Collect emergency relief materials or supplies from local, international and non-governmental agencies for distribution to the people affected by disaster;
l. Work closely with SEMA and LEMA to assess and monitor where necessary the distribution of relief materials to disaster survivors and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, and those adversely affected by mass deportation and repatriation from any other country as a result of crises, disasters or foreign policies;
m. Assist in the rehabilitation of survivors, IDPs and refugees where necessary, and those adversely affected by mass deportation and repatriation from any other country as a result of crises, disasters or foreign policies;
n. Prepare the annual budget for disaster management in Nigeria;
o. Process relief assistance to such countries that have experienced disaster as may be determined by the Federal Government of Nigeria from time to time;
p. Foster strong working relationship with all relevant National and International Agencies including the United Nations institutions for the reduction of disasters.
q. Facilitate the establishment of enabling legislation and monitor the activities of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Local Emergency Management Authority (LEMA).
r. Perform such other functions which, in the opinion of the Governing Council are required for the purpose of enhancing effective disaster management in Nigeria.