The Federal Government has unveiled a new framework designed to improve Nigeria’s response to mass fatality incidents arising from disasters.
The initiative, known as the National Mass Fatality Response Plan, was officially launched on Tuesday in Abuja by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The plan outlines a structured, humane, and professional approach to managing mass deaths resulting from emergencies, such as explosions, floods, epidemics, building collapses, and other crises.
It is designed to uphold dignity, respect cultural and religious diversity, and ensure that victims and their families are treated with compassion. Integrating international best practices with Nigeria’s unique social and operational realities, the plan serves as a guide for coordinated action among stakeholders at all levels.
Speaking at the event, NEMA Director Genera,l Zubaida Umar said that the plan reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its emergency preparedness and response capacity.
“In recent years, Nigeria has experienced an increasing number of disasters causing mass fatalities. Too often, the pain of these losses is compounded by the lack of a coordinated and respectful response. This plan is the outcome of a rigorous, consultative, and evidence-based process aimed at changing that narrative,” she stated.
Umar emphasised that the framework sets out clear standard operating procedures to ensure dignity and professionalism even in the most challenging moments.
“Beyond operational efficiency, our goal is to restore the humanity and identity of every life lost,” she added, urging stakeholders to translate the plan into practical action and not let it become a mere document gathering dust.
Onimode Bamidele, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, noted that the process of developing the plan spanned seven years.
He thanked the ICRC for its unwavering support and called on state emergency management agencies to take ownership of its implementation.
“You are often the first responders. This plan is about respecting the dignity of those who lose their lives in disasters—it must not remain on the shelf,” he said.
Nourane Houas, the ICRC’s Protection Coordinator in Nigeria, praised the launch of the plan as a national commitment to restoring dignity to the dead and hope to the living.
“This is not just policy—it’s a roadmap for humane and coordinated response. The ICRC will continue to provide support within its mandate, particularly in armed conflict contexts, ensuring that tools, training, and systems are operational,” she said.
Latifa Arfaoui, Field Coordinator for Health Emergencies at the World Health Organisation (WHO), described the plan as a proactive and compassionate step towards improving emergency preparedness.
She highlighted its role in ensuring responder safety, maintaining public health standards, and honouring cultural values. Arfaoui affirmed WHO’s commitment to providing ongoing technical support to strengthen implementation across both national and sub-national levels.
Providing a technical overview, Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Dr Chukwuemeka Nwafor, said the plan introduces a range of critical measures.
These include the creation of a national registry for deceased persons, adoption of the Incident Command Structure for emergency coordination, and regular simulation exercises to test preparedness and response.
Dr Nwafor stressed the importance of collaboration between local and international stakeholders and the need for professionalism and cultural sensitivity in managing the deceased.
Alongside the mass fatality plan, NEMA also launched its 2025 Climate-Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategy.
This document evaluates the implications of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s Seasonal Climate Prediction for 2025 and outlines measures to mitigate climate-related risks and hazards across the country.
