National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a National Mass Fatality Response Plan to strengthen national capacity for effective management of mass fatalities.
Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, launched the plan in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Abuja.
She noted that the initiative marked a pivotal milestone in the nation’s commitment to improve preparedness and response mechanisms for one of the most sensitive and challenging aspects of emergency management, mass fatality incidents.
“With this plan, we are significantly strengthening our national capacity to manage mass fatalities. It will improve inter-agency coordination, promote transparency and accountability, and, most importantly, restore dignity to victims and comfort to their families.”
Developed through a rigorous, consultative, and evidence-based process, Mrs Umar said the plan outlined a clear framework for action.
“In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a rising number of mass fatalities caused by disasters such as explosions, floods, building collapses, epidemics, and other tragic emergencies. These events have left families grieving, communities devastated, and entire regions in mourning. Too often, the pain of these losses is compounded by the absence of a coordinated and compassionate response. This Response Plan is a product of our collective resolve to change that narrative.”
The NEMA DG added that it provides standard operating procedures to ensure that, even in the most chaotic moments, stakeholders act with dignity, respect, and professionalism in the management of the deceased.
“Our aim is not only operational efficiency but also to uphold the humanity and identity of every life lost.”
The Protection Officer, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Nourane Houas, said the committee was optimistic the document would be swiftly operationalized to set a process in motion that would enhance preparedness, coordination, and dignity in mass fatality response.
“In our work across Nigeria and particularly in regions that are impacted by armed conflicts, we continue to witness the devastating humanitarian consequences wars have on families and communities, especially when the deceased are not identified, buried, or accounted for with dignity.”
According to Houas, this plan is not just a policy, but a national commitment and pathway to restoring dignity to the dead and hope to the living.
“It recognises the need for structured, humane, and coordinated efforts in the aftermath of the tragedy, whether they result from conflicts, disasters, or other emergencies,” she narrated.
Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr Latifat Arfaoui, said the plan was a critical milestone that reflects a proactive and compassionate commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness and response plans.
“It’s addressing one of the most sensitive and complex emergency preparedness and response. The plan will serve as a vital tool to enhance multi-sectoral coordination, ensure the safety of responders, uphold public health standards, and honour the cultural and religious considerations during fatality management. She said
Dr Arfaoui restated the commitment of WHO to continue with technical support and collaboration, ensuring that the National, subnational levels are well prepared and equipped to attend to emergencies with professionalism and respect.
Culled from FRCN
