2026 NEMA National Essay Competition: Engage, Write, and Win Big

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially launched the 2026 NEMA National Essay Competition to engage young Nigerians on the critical themes of disaster preparedness, emergency response, and national resilience. This initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire proactive thinking about safety and collective responsibility in times of emergencies.

Why Participate?

Disasters such as floods, fires, and building collapses continue to impact communities across Nigeria, underscoring the importance of preparedness. Through this competition, students can showcase their understanding of disaster management while contributing ideas that could shape how Nigeria handles these challenges.

Who Can Enter?

• Secondary school students
• Tertiary institution students
• Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Emergency Management Vanguards

Essay Topics:

• Secondary School Students: My Role in Disaster Risk Reduction
• Tertiary Students: Climate Change and Disaster Management in Nigeria
• NYSC Emergency Management Vanguards: Technology for Disaster Response: Opportunities and Challenges

Essay Requirements:

• Secondary school essays: Maximum 500 words
• Tertiary and NYSC essays: Maximum 1000 words
• All essays must be original, relevant, and clearly written

Prizes:

• Winners: ₦500,000 and a trophy
• First Runner-up: ₦300,000
• Second Runner-up: ₦200,000
• Top ten participants in each category receive certificates and recognition

Submission Guidelines:

• Format: Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx)
• Font: Times New Roman, Size 12
• Include at the top or on a cover page:
  
  • Full Name
  • Category
  • Institutional Details (School or NYSC deployment: State, Batch, and PPA)
• Submit your essay via email to: nemaessay@nema.gov.ng

Competition Timeline:

• Opens: April 1, 2026
• Closes: April 15, 2026

This competition is a great opportunity for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national disaster preparedness and resilience efforts. Participate, share your voice, and help build safer communities!

For inquiries, contact NEMA through their official channels.