The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion and collective action in supporting people affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.
Umar made the call while commemorating World Humanitarian Day 2026, observed on August 19, under the global campaign #ActForHumanity. She commended Nigerian humanitarians, first responders, volunteers and ordinary citizens who continue to assist communities during emergencies.
She encouraged citizens to demonstrate kindness and vigilance in their daily lives, stressing that humanitarian action should not be limited to professional responders. Communities, she said, also have an important role to play in preventing disasters, supporting vulnerable people and responding effectively when emergencies occur.
The appeal comes as humanitarian needs continue to rise in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected areas where communities face displacement, insecurity and limited access to essential services. Recent reports have also highlighted the growing risks faced by humanitarian workers operating in dangerous environments.
The United Nations has warned that humanitarian workers around the world are facing unprecedented dangers, with more than 1,000 killed over the past three years. The 2026 campaign calls on governments and communities to protect aid workers and ensure safe humanitarian access.
For Nigeria, strengthening humanitarian response remains particularly important as emergencies linked to conflict, flooding, displacement and other disasters continue to affect vulnerable populations.
NEMA’s message highlights the importance of building stronger community-based response systems, where citizens can work alongside emergency agencies, volunteers and humanitarian organizations to provide timely assistance.
Experts say greater public awareness, disaster preparedness and community participation can reduce the impact of emergencies and help affected populations recover more quickly.
Umar’s call ultimately places humanitarian responsibility beyond government agencies, urging Nigerians to recognize that every citizen can contribute to protecting lives, supporting vulnerable communities and promoting human dignity.
As the country marks World Humanitarian Day, NEMA is encouraging Nigerians to turn compassion into action and strengthen a culture of solidarity, preparedness and service to others.
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