In a major legislative move to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency response capabilities, the Reps push bill, which seeks to enhance the powers and operational scope of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The proposed law aims to address the growing threat of natural and human-induced disasters such as flooding, oil spills, desertification, dam failures, and climate change impacts, positioning NEMA as a more robust, proactive, and modern disaster management authority.
Bill Seeks to Overhaul 1999 NEMA Act
The bill, titled National Emergency Management Agency (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill, is sponsored by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson, and five other lawmakers. During the debate on its general principles, Hon. Amobi Ogah emphasized the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s disaster response architecture in light of increasingly complex emergencies.
“Nigeria is at a crossroads, facing a multifaceted emergency and disaster management landscape. Millions are displaced due to conflict, environmental degradation, flooding, and infrastructure failures. We must act,” Ogah stated.
Closing Gaps in Climate and Disaster Response
While acknowledging that the existing 1999 NEMA Act laid a strong foundation, lawmakers argued it fails to address emerging threats such as climate change adaptation, digital transformation, and institutional inefficiencies in disaster response.
According to Hon. Ogah, the bill aims to eliminate operational bottlenecks, improve inter-agency coordination, and establish a sustainable funding mechanism beyond the limitations of the current framework. This includes creating a disaster management institute for the training of NEMA staff and partners.
The bill also proposes the registration and oversight of NGOs and INGOs involved in disaster relief, ensuring improved coordination and accountability in the sector.
New Powers and Responsibilities for NEMA
If enacted, the new law will empower NEMA to directly address a broader range of crises, including:
- Flooding and erosion
- Oil spills and environmental contamination
- Desertification and drought
- Dam collapses and building failures
- Air crashes, fire outbreaks, and road accidents
- Maritime disasters and bomb explosions
It will also integrate global best practices in climate resilience, risk reduction, and digital monitoring, transforming NEMA into a central coordination authority with oversight across the federal and state levels.
A Constitutional Mandate for Protection
The bill is framed as a fulfillment of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which declares the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government.
“This legislation presents a clear and practical pathway toward transforming Nigeria’s emergency response system. Every Nigerian has a right to safety and support in times of disaster,” Ogah added.
Toward a Resilient Future: A Legislative Turning Point
As Nigeria faces mounting environmental and humanitarian risks, the passage of this bill marks a critical step toward building a resilient, well-funded, and responsive emergency management system. If signed into law, it would mark a historic shift in how the country prepares for and responds to disaster-related threats.