When Media Saves Lives: How NEMA is Equipping Journalists for Disaster Risk Communication in Kano/Jigawa
By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi
As Nigeria braces for the 2025 flooding season, the need for effective and ethical communication in disaster preparedness has never been more critical.
Demonstrating a proactive and forward-thinking approach, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Kano Territorial Office (KTO), recently organized a one-day capacity-building workshop to empower media professionals as frontline agents in disaster risk communication (DRC).
The workshop, which convened stakeholders from Kano and Jigawa States, brought together broadcasters, bloggers, social media influencers, humanitarian actors, and disaster management agencies. The aim was to strengthen partnerships and emphasize the role of the media in ensuring that timely, accurate, and strategic information reaches vulnerable communities.
In his welcome address, Dr. Nuraddeen Abdullahi, Head of Operations at NEMA Kano/Jigawa Office, emphasized the media’s indispensable role in disaster-prone areas. He noted that the ability of journalists and content creators to deliver life-saving messages through radio, television, blogs, and social media is central to improving early warning systems and reducing disaster risks.
According to Dr. Abdullahi, disaster preparedness should not rest solely on the shoulders of the government. He stressed that civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional institutions, and media professionals must all work together to build community resilience.
The training equipped participants with the tools to translate complex scientific data—such as the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA)—into public-friendly messages that inform, warn, and mobilize citizens toward safety and preparedness.
The workshop featured rich technical sessions presented by experts across various sectors. Topics deliberated included: Overview of Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook; Social Media as a Tool for Early Warning and Public Safety; Radio Broadcast in Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness; and Misinformation in Disaster Spaces accordingly.
Each session highlighted the essential role of media in simplifying technical data and disseminating it in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.
A key takeaway was that disasters are not only about natural phenomena but also about how quickly and accurately information flows. Delayed, unclear, or false messaging can amplify the scale of damage, leading to preventable loss of lives and property.
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Countering Misinformation in the Digital Age
One of the most pressing challenges in the modern communication landscape is the spread of misinformation—particularly on social media. During the workshop, I presented a paper titled “Combatting Misinformation in Digital and Broadcast Media: Safeguarding Disaster Risk Communication in the Age of Social Media.” The presentation explored how misinformation can undermine official warnings, create unnecessary panic, and breed complacency—often with deadly consequences during emergencies.
In the digital era, journalists and media influencers must act swiftly, but more importantly, uphold high standards of ethical reporting and verification. Those trained to recognize and debunk false narratives become gatekeepers of public safety—ensuring that only accurate, actionable information reaches the masses.
Cultural Relevance: The Power of Local Languages
Another vital element discussed was the need for localized, culturally sensitive communication. Incorporating indigenous languages and audience engagement strategies ensures that messages are understood across socio-linguistic divides—especially in rural and underserved communities. This inclusive approach fosters trust and encourages timely response to early warnings.
Participants unanimously resolved to improve coordination between media outlets and emergency response agencies, promote real-time verified updates, and prioritize continuous capacity building in risk-sensitive reporting. These commitments reflect a growing recognition that disaster management is a multi-sectoral task—and one that relies heavily on effective communication.
It is believed that by investing in the knowledge and skills of journalists and digital influencers, NEMA is creating a reliable network of informed communicators capable of amplifying early warnings, countering misinformation, and supporting emergency response efforts.
A Blueprint for Other States
The Kano workshop serves as a replicable model for other regions grappling with similar disaster risks. In an era marked by climate unpredictability and extreme weather events, building media capacity is not just a strategy—it is a necessity for public safety.
Ultimately, disaster risk communication is about saving lives. It is about reaching people with clarity, urgency, and empathy. As floods threaten food security and livelihoods across Nigeria, clear and timely communication can make the difference between survival and tragedy.
NEMA’s proactive engagement with the media has not only heightened awareness but also bolstered the country’s overall disaster resilience framework.
The 2025 flooding season is a looming test—but with strengthened media collaboration and responsible communication, Nigeria can respond with resilience, preparedness, and hope.
Remember, disaster management is a shared responsibility—it is not the sole duty of NEMA and its partners. Everyone has a vital role to play.”
MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication. He wrote via [email protected]
