By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Mr Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, has called for stronger institutions, real-time data and improved inter-agency coordination to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters.
Arabi made the call while speaking at the 2026 Annual Emergency Response and Simulation Summit held in Abuja, where he was also honoured with an honorary fellowship of the Institute for his contributions to public sector reforms and institutional development.
The summit featured the launch of the ECRMI Real-Time Disaster Data Management System Platform, an initiative aimed at strengthening the use of technology and timely information in emergency management.
Arabi said the increasing complexity and frequency of emergencies required a coordinated, innovative and technology-driven approach involving government agencies and other stakeholders.
He stressed that effective emergency management should go beyond responding to incidents after they occur, saying institutions must be prepared, responsive, coordinated and resilient.
According to him, access to accurate and reliable disaster data would strengthen early warning systems, improve resource allocation, enhance inter-agency coordination and enable authorities to respond quickly to emerging risks.
The BPSR boss described the ECRMI platform as an important step towards harnessing technology and information to improve emergency preparedness and response.
He, however, said technology alone could not address the challenges without institutional reforms, clearly defined responsibilities, effective coordination, skilled personnel and strong accountability mechanisms.
Arabi also urged stakeholders to promote responsible information sharing while ensuring data integrity, security and proper governance.
He identified digital transformation, innovation, performance management and institutional capacity development as key components of Nigeria’s public service reform agenda.
About the Author
