SOKOTO, NIGERIA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other humanitarian partners have called for improved coordination in disaster and emergency response across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.
This appeal was made during a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) validation workshop held in Sokoto, jointly organised by the three state ministries of humanitarian affairs with UNICEF’s support. The initiative seeks to streamline disaster response systems for faster, more effective interventions in the North-West.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Mr. Michael Juma, described the SOP as a practical guide for humanitarian actors.
“It begins with emergency triggers and notification, clearly identifying lead agencies, activation triggers and alert mechanisms. Search and Rescue arrangements follow, covering team mobilisation, evacuation protocols, and public communication,” Juma explained.
He stressed that the framework would help agencies coordinate better from the onset of emergencies through to deactivation stages, ensuring no gaps in service delivery.
Also speaking, UNICEF Emergency Specialist, Mr. Olayinka Afolabi, said the SOP mandates the immediate activation of state emergency operation centres once a crisis is confirmed. It also sets procedures for rapid needs assessment, operational planning, stock mobilisation, and regular situation reports to keep communities informed.
Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operations Office, Mr. Aliyu Shehu Kafindangi, represented by Mr. Tukur Abubakar, commended the collaboration, noting that the SOP reflected “ground realities” and was timely, given the flooding already affecting several communities.
“The developed draft SOP is designed to respond to emergencies like cholera, crises, and floods. It clearly maps institutional roles, communication channels, and workflows, strengthening interagency cooperation,” Kafindangi said.
The workshop drew participants from federal and state agencies, including the Fire Service, State Emergency Management Agencies of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, NGOs, the Nigeria Police Force, disaster units of the Nigerian Army, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and the Ministries of Health and Agriculture.