FG inaugurates mass fatality response plan
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday inaugurated the National Mass Fatality Response Plan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s approach to disaster management. Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director General, NEMA, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday. She highlighted that the new document was a direct response to gaps in previous disaster responses, […]
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday inaugurated the National Mass Fatality Response Plan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s approach to disaster management.
Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director General, NEMA, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday.
She highlighted that the new document was a direct response to gaps in previous disaster responses, particularly around mass fatalities, and aims to provide both dignity for the dead and hope for survivors.
She emphasised a new era in disaster management, prioritising dignity for disaster victims and coordinated action across all levels of government.
Umar explained that unlike in the past, NEMA now has clear procedures and resources such as body bags to ensure respectful handling of the deceased. NAN
“The new plan is designed to ensure coordinated, compassionate, and efficient responses to mass fatality incidents such as explosions, floods, building collapses, and epidemics that have increasingly affected Nigerian communities in recent years.
“The plan is developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, and assigns responsibilities to federal, state, and local governments, ensuring that no one acts alone and that all responses are unified and dignified.
“It is developed through rigorous consultation and evidence-based processes. The plan provides clear protocols and standard operating procedures for handling mass fatalities with dignity and professionalism,” she said.
The director general commended the dedicated team behind the plan and acknowledged the technical support of national and international partners, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Umar also stressed the importance of local government involvement as first responders and announced ongoing training for stakeholders, including the media, to ensure accurate and sensitive reporting during emergencies.
She said the inauguration marks a significant shift from reactive to proactive disaster management, with NEMA and partners ready to implement the plan nationwide.
Mr Hyginus Omeje, Assistant Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), called for the declaration of emergency on Nigerian roads.
Omeje added that while much attention was often given to natural disasters like flooding, Nigerians face a far deadlier and persistent crisis in road traffic crashes.
He said road accidents now account for more fatalities than all recent flooding incidents combined, with major tanker crashes and daily collisions claiming thousands of lives each year.
Recent data underscores the scale of the problem. In 2024 alone, over 5,400 people were killed on Nigerian roads, a seven per cent increase from the previous year, in spite of a notable reduction in the total number of crashes and injuries.
“The situation is exacerbated by dangerous practices such as scooping fuel from crashed tankers, which accounted for over 400 deaths last year.
“Human factors, reckless driving, overloading, and fatigue remain key contributors to the high fatality rate,” he said.
Omeje called for urgent, coordinated action, including the revival of regular stakeholder meetings and enhanced emergency preparedness, to address what he describes as the “greatest disaster” facing the nation today.
Dr Latifa Arfaoui, the Field Coordinator, Health Emergencies, World Health Organisation (WHO), praised Nigeria’s inauguration of the response plan, calling it a “critical milestone” in strengthening the nation’s emergency preparedness.
On her part, Ms Nourane Houas, Protection Coordinator at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts in managing the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict.
This strategic plan, set to run from 2025 to 2029, marks Nigeria’s first comprehensive framework for mass fatality management and is expected to be periodically reviewed and adapted for use across the country.
On the overview of the document, Asso. Prof. Chukwuemeka Nwafor, University of Uyo, said the National Mass Fatality Response plan will adopt and follow the incident command structure pattern and will focus on the operations section of the structure which includes initial response, search and recovery, documentation, transportation, mortuary and disposition operation.
He added that the mass fatality response coordinating unit coordinates all activities including keeping a nation’s registry of deceased people.