In this COP-30 interview, participants of the ALLATRA International Public Movement speak with Dr. Tijjani El‑badawy, a distinguished disaster risk geoscientist from Nigeria, whose work bridges scientific insight, policy-making, and practical disaster management. Dr. El‑badawy’s expertise and dedication make him a prominent voice in the global conversation about resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.
Dr. El‑badawy currently serves with the *National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Nigeria,* the agency responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across the country. He plays a central role in designing strategies that build community-level resilience, strengthen national emergency response systems, and ensure readiness for potential disasters.
Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in the development and implementation of the *National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025–2030)*, with a focus on systemic approaches rather than solely reactive measures. His work emphasizes the importance of *institutionalizing resilience*, promoting sustainable development, and integrating scientific research into decision-making processes. His priorities include *water and energy security, climate adaptation, circular economy practices,* and advancing cross-sector collaboration to enhance national preparedness and resilience.
In this interview, Dr. El‑badawy shares his insights on the recurring climate-related disasters in Nigeria, particularly floods, and the complex impacts these events have on communities, livelihoods, and public health. He discusses the importance of proactive planning, institutionalizing resilience, and fostering international collaboration to share knowledge and best practices. He also reflects on the role of global forums, such as COP-30, in facilitating partnerships, capacity-building, and the exchange of innovative solutions to climate challenges.
This video offers a rare opportunity to hear from a professional who not only understands disasters from a scientific perspective but also translates that knowledge into practical strategies that protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Dr. El-badawy’s perspective underscores the crucial importance of resilience, collaboration, and foresight in addressing today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Official website of the ALLATRA International Public Movement: https://allatra.org/