The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dasuki Arabi, has emphasized the need for effective emergency management in Nigeria through stronger institutions, real-time data, and improved inter-agency coordination. Speaking at the Annual Emergency Response and Simulation Summit 2026 in Abuja, Arabi stressed that building prepared, responsive, coordinated, and resilient institutions is crucial. He noted that the increasing complexities and frequency of emergencies require a coordinated, innovative, and technology-driven approach involving government and other stakeholders.
Arabi highlighted the importance of accurate, timely, and accessible disaster data in strengthening early warning systems, improving resource allocation, and facilitating inter-agency coordination. He described the launch of the ECRMI Real-Time Disaster Data Management System Platform as a significant step towards harnessing technology and information to improve emergency preparedness and response. The platform aims to enhance the use of technology and timely information in emergency management.
The Bureau DG emphasized that technology must be backed by institutional reforms, including clearly defined responsibilities, effective coordination mechanisms, and accountability frameworks. He urged stakeholders to promote responsible information sharing while maintaining high standards of data integrity, security, and responsible use. Arabi also highlighted that digital transformation, innovation, and institutional capacity development are critical components of Nigeria's ongoing public service reform efforts.
Arabi called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to emergency preparedness and response, involving various stakeholders. He urged the organisers and other stakeholders to prioritize institutional ownership, interoperability, capacity building, sustainability, data governance, and measurable impact. According to him, the ultimate measure of any digital governance platform should be its ability to improve decision-making, strengthen coordination, and deliver better outcomes for citizens.
The BPSR DG congratulated the organisers on the summit and thanked them for the recognition, while wishing participants fruitful deliberations and a successful launch of the ECRMI Real-Time Disaster Data Management System Platform. He expressed confidence that the summit's deliberations, simulations, and engagements would contribute to strengthening Nigeria's emergency preparedness architecture and building a more resilient society.
Arabi was honoured with an honorary fellowship by the Institute for his contributions to public sector reforms and institutional development. The fellowship recipient highlighted that emergency and disaster management provide a compelling case for public service reforms because delays in decision-making can have significant consequences. He reaffirmed the Bureau's commitment to initiatives promoting efficient institutions, innovation, accountability, digital transformation, and improved public service delivery.
The Annual Emergency Response and Simulation Summit 2026 provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and simulate emergency response scenarios. The summit aimed to bring together government institutions, academia, technology companies, development partners, professional bodies, communities, and the private sector to enhance Nigeria's emergency preparedness and response. The ECRMI Real-Time Disaster Data Management System Platform was launched to support these efforts.
Key points
- Dasuki Arabi calls for stronger institutions and accountability in public service for effective emergency management.
- The ECRMI Real-Time Disaster Data Management System Platform was launched to enhance the use of technology and timely information in emergency management.
- Arabi emphasizes the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to emergency preparedness and response.
