The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged governments at all levels to strengthen disaster prevention and emergency response, warning that governance failures have worsened the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians. Obi made the call in a statement via his official X handle on…...
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged governments at all levels to strengthen disaster prevention and emergency response, warning that governance failures have worsened the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
Obi made the call in a statement via his official X handle on Tuesday, October 13, to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
He said Nigerians were grappling with flooding, insecurity, displacement, hunger, malnutrition, deteriorating infrastructure, rising poverty and loss of livelihoods, arguing that inadequate planning and weak emergency preparedness had exposed citizens to avoidable suffering.
“Throughout the country, citizens face flooding, insecurity, displacement, hunger, malnutrition, deteriorating infrastructure, increasing poverty, and the loss of livelihoods,” Obi said.
He attributed the situation partly to what he described as governance failures, fragile institutions and the failure to prioritise citizens’ welfare.
According to him, although disasters cannot always be prevented, their impact can be reduced through accountable leadership, early warning systems, proper land-use planning, durable infrastructure and efficient emergency services.
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“When governments fail to identify risks in advance or respond effectively to emergencies, the most vulnerable citizens bear the greatest burden,” he said.
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The former Anambra State governor also argued that government performance should be measured by the safety and welfare of citizens rather than revenue figures, economic indicators or official ceremonies.
“The success of governance should be judged not by revenue totals, economic indicators, or official ceremonies but by the people’s safety, dignity, and quality of life,” he stated.
Obi added that governments could not credibly claim progress while citizens were displaced by floods, abducted by criminals, left hungry or exposed to predictable threats without adequate protection.
He called on federal, state and local governments to adopt a people-focused approach to disaster risk reduction by investing in prevention, improving emergency response and ensuring accountability in the management of disaster funds.
He also urged authorities to provide timely relief and sustainable rehabilitation for communities affected by disasters.
“Nigeria must not accept avoidable suffering as normal. Protecting the safety, security, and welfare of our people is a core responsibility of government,” Obi said.
He called for a country where effective governance reduces risks, protects lives and enables citizens to live in safety and dignity.