Vice President Kashim Shettima has unveiled a new Federal Government policy focused on empowering communities to take a leading role in disaster management, emphasizing that true resilience begins at the grassroots. The initiative integrates disaster risk reduction into key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, and health, while expanding early warning systems to better protect vulnerable communities.

The policy also aims to strengthen state and local emergency management agencies through training, technology, and improved coordination. In addition, a National Disaster Risk Financing Framework will be established to ensure funding for prevention and preparedness is readily available. Shettima highlighted the need to prioritize investment in resilient infrastructure like drainage systems, schools, hospitals, and climate-smart agriculture rather than depending solely on relief after disasters occur.

Calling for joint action, the Vice President urged collaboration with the private sector, academia, and civil society to make disaster preparedness a shared responsibility. His leadership was widely commended by stakeholders, including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Yusuf Tanko Sununu, and NEMA Director General Zubaida Umar, while lawmakers pledged full legislative support to strengthen Nigeria’s community-based disaster management framework.