Group Advocates for Disability-Inclusive Disaster Response in NEMA South East Visit

Enugu, March 5, 2025 – The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called for more inclusive disaster response strategies during an advocacy visit to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South East Region.

During the visit, CCD’s Acting Director, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, presented findings from the organization’s baseline study, highlighting the unique challenges Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) face during climate-triggered disasters. He stressed the urgent need for policies that address their heightened vulnerability, improve accessibility, and increase awareness among emergency responders.

CCD proposed a partnership with NEMA to advance inclusive climate adaptation strategies. The group recommended training programs for PWDs on disaster preparedness, sensitization of NEMA staff on disability-responsive interventions, and budget allocations for inclusive disaster response measures. Other key points included integrating PWDs into disaster communication networks, ensuring the availability of sign language interpreters in public institutions, and actively involving PWDs in emergency response planning.

NEMA’s Head of Operations, Mr. Igwe Nnamdi, acknowledged the need to educate rural communities, especially those with PWDs, and pledged NEMA’s commitment to fostering inclusivity. He encouraged CCD to sustain dialogue with the agency for continued collaboration.

Concluding the visit, CCD’s representative, Mrs. Florence Austin, emphasized the necessity of establishing a disability desk at NEMA to provide specialized services for PWDs. She also stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership between NEMA and CCD to enhance inclusive disaster response frameworks.

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