NEMA Seeks Stronger Partnership with UN to Expand Space Technology for Disaster Management

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging space-based technology to strengthen disaster risk management, early warning systems, preparedness and emergency response across Nigeria, while seeking closer collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

Key Takeaways

  • NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to integrating space technology into disaster management.
  • The Director General received a delegation from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Abuja.
  • NEMA requested greater collaboration to strengthen its capacity in applying space-based solutions.
  • UNOOSA highlighted the ongoing Digital Twin Project currently being piloted in Lagos State.
  • The meeting reinforced cooperation among NEMA, UNOOSA and NASRDA in improving Nigeria's disaster resilience.


The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has reiterated the Agency's commitment to harnessing space-based technologies to improve disaster preparedness, risk reduction, early warning and emergency response across Nigeria. Mrs. Umar made the commitment on Thursday, 30 July 2026, while receiving a delegation from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) at the Agency's headquarters in Abuja.

She observed that the growing frequency and severity of disasters, particularly flooding, have increased the need for innovative technologies capable of improving disaster prediction, preparedness and coordinated emergency response. The Director General also appealed for stronger collaboration with UNOOSA to enhance NEMA's technical capacity in deploying space-based technologies for disaster management operations nationwide.

The UNOOSA delegation, led by Mr. Jumpei Takami, explained that the visit was to appreciate NEMA for its support towards implementing the UNOOSA Digital Twin Project, currently being piloted in Lagos State. According to the delegation, the Digital Twin Project utilizes geospatial technologies and digital modelling to improve disaster preparedness, planning and emergency response capabilities.

The meeting concluded with both organisations, alongside the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), reaffirming their commitment to expanding the use of space technology and strengthening international cooperation in building Nigeria's resilience against disasters.

Key Quotes

According to Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters underscore the need to adopt innovative space-based technologies that can strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response.

According to Mr. Jumpei Takami, leader of the UNOOSA delegation, the Digital Twin Project is designed to harness geospatial technologies and digital modelling to enhance disaster preparedness and response.


The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) promotes the peaceful use of outer space and supports countries in applying satellite technologies for sustainable development, disaster risk reduction and emergency management. The Digital Twin Project employs geospatial mapping and digital modelling to improve disaster preparedness and resilience.


Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), through the Directorate of Public Affairs, 30 July 2026.


As climate-related disasters become more severe, integrating satellite data, geospatial intelligence and digital modelling into emergency management can significantly improve disaster forecasting, response planning and the protection of lives and critical infrastructure.

Improved collaboration between NEMA and international space agencies could enhance Nigeria's capacity to predict disasters earlier, coordinate emergency operations more effectively and reduce the impact of flooding and other natural hazards on vulnerable communities.


ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

Modern disaster management increasingly depends on technology-driven solutions rather than reactive interventions. Partnerships between emergency agencies and international space organisations offer technical opportunities to improve forecasting, resource deployment and coordinated emergency response before disasters escalate.

Investments in space technology should be matched with stronger local institutional capacity, public awareness and community-based preparedness. Combining satellite intelligence with effective emergency planning will help Nigeria move from disaster response to proactive disaster risk reduction.


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