The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), in collaboration with UNICEF and Christian Aid, has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing flood preparedness and emergency response within the state.
The project, titled Strengthening Northwest Nigeria’s Emergency Preparedness and Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP), is designed to boost the state’s resilience to climate-related disasters through proactive planning and inclusive social protection systems.
Funded by UNICEF and implemented by Christian Aid, the 13-month initiative will run from May 2025 to June 2026. It seeks to address critical gaps in disaster preparedness and response, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities across Kaduna.
Speaking at the project’s introductory meeting in Kaduna, the Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, Dr Usman Mazadu, stated that the intervention would enhance the capacity of institutions and local communities to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to emergencies more effectively.
Dr Mazadu noted that the project aligns with the state’s broader efforts to protect at-risk populations, especially in the face of climate-induced and conflict-related shocks.
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“The goal of this intervention is to build community resilience by improving coordination, preparedness, and the deployment of early response mechanisms,” he said.
Mr Ayanle Omar, Programme Specialist representing UNICEF, commended KADSEMA for its strong coordination efforts and ongoing institutional reforms, describing them as a firm foundation for improved disaster risk management in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Bamidele Fagbite, Senior Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist at Christian Aid, praised KADSEMA’s zonal operational structure, citing its effectiveness in recent fuel tanker incidents.
He expressed confidence that the SRSP initiative would further strengthen Kaduna’s capacity to manage flood risks and respond to emergencies in a timely and coordinated manner.
Stakeholders present at the meeting expressed optimism that the project would foster collaboration and contribute significantly to building a safer, more resilient Kaduna State.
