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Data Analysis, GIS and Visualization Training in Abuja

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From Monday, July 7th to Friday, July 11th, 2025, the halls of the United Nations House in Abuja came alive with learning, collaboration, and innovation as key stakeholders in Nigeria’s disaster management and humanitarian response systems gathered for a transformative five-day training on Data Analysis, GIS, and Visualization.

The training was jointly organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM – UN Migration), DATA Alliance Nigeria, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

It was an honor and privilege for the DATA Alliance to contribute to this noble capacity-building effort, one that continues to shape the future of disaster preparedness and response in Nigeria.

DATA Alliance Trainer going round to support participants

A Tradition of Impact and Innovation

Over the past four years, this annual training initiative has become a cornerstone of technical advancement within Nigeria’s disaster management community. What began as a capacity-building workshop has evolved into a platform that is directly transforming how government agencies like NEMA approach emergency response, leveraging data-driven insights to guide faster, smarter, and more coordinated decisions.

We have witnessed remarkable improvements in how NEMA handles data collection, analysis, geospatial mapping, and information visualization. This evolution has enhanced their ability to respond to emergencies, anticipate risks, and plan proactively in the face of growing humanitarian challenges from flooding and displacement to conflict-related crises.

A Group Picture of Facilitators and Organisers

Looking Ahead: Innovating for Impact

As we reflect on the outcomes of this year’s training, we are more determined than ever to keep supporting Nigeria’s emergency management effort with innovative tools and knowledge. At DATA Alliance, our mission goes beyond capacity building, we are committed to driving a culture of data use for humanitarian impact.

In the coming months, we will continue to introduce new methods, technologies, and partnerships to help NEMA and its partners deepen their operational efficiency, forecast potential threats, and enhance their life-saving interventions.

Gratitude and Collaboration

We extend our sincere appreciation to our partners, UN OCHA, NEMA, IOM, NASRDA, and IFRC for the opportunity to contribute to such a critical initiative. Together, we are proving that when data meets dedication, the results can save lives.

At DATA Alliance, we remain proud to be part of this journey, one that is shaping a more resilient, prepared, and data-smart Nigeria.

#DataForHumanity
#DisasterPreparedness
#GISforGood
#DATAAllianceNG

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Borno State Government Includes DATA Alliance in Flood Response Committee

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Recognizing our outstanding track record in data-driven emergency planning, the Borno State Government has formally included DATA Alliance in the newly constituted State Flood Response Committee. The inclusion marks a major endorsement of DATA Alliance’s technical expertise in humanitarian response and disaster preparedness.

This initiative comes as Borno State braces for potential flood risks linked to climate variability and environmental degradation as projected by NiMet— a growing concern in the Lake Chad Basin. The Committee, led by the Borno State Agency for the coordination of sustainable development and Humanitarian Response under the able leadership of Dr. Mairo Mandara composed of key state partners including, state MDAs, humanitarian agencies, and civil society organizations, will coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery strategies for at-risk communities.

DATA Alliance alongside the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) will provide technical support in:

  • Risk Mapping and Flood Modeling
  • Community Vulnerability Assessments
  • Real-Time Data Collection using Digital Tools
  • Impact Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Policy Advisory for Risk Reduction

“This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to supporting state-led, data-informed disaster response,” said Sulaiman Badamasi. “We aim to strengthen early warning systems, integrate local data, and empower communities to act before disaster strikes.”

The organization will also support capacity-building for local emergency response units and community volunteers, ensuring that data collection and use are embedded at every level of the response chain.

With the slogan “Empowering Decisions, Driving Impact,” DATA Alliance continues to serve as a catalyst for turning complex data into actionable strategies that protect lives and enhance resilience in vulnerable regions.

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The Role of Data in Humanitarian Response: Turning Crisis into Actionable Insight

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In the face of humanitarian crises — from natural disasters to conflict-induced displacement — timely and accurate data is more than just information. It is a lifesaving asset.

DATA Alliance, a pioneer national partner in evidence-based solutions for sustainable development, emphasizes that data must be central to all phases of humanitarian response, from early warning and preparedness to recovery and resilience building.

Data plays several critical roles in humanitarian contexts:

  • Needs Assessment: Rapid data collection enables responders to understand the scope of crises and prioritize aid.
  • Resource Allocation: Real-time data analytics help target limited resources to the most vulnerable populations.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Continual data flow ensures programs remain effective and accountable.
  • Risk Reduction and Resilience: Longitudinal data help identify trends and inform preventive strategies.

“Without data, humanitarian response risks being reactive and misaligned. With the right data, we can save lives and build back stronger,” noted Sulaiman Badamasi.

DATA Alliance plans to support partners in North-East Nigeria and Northwest Nigeria by deploying mobile-based surveys, geospatial mapping, and vulnerability indexing tools to ensure humanitarian actors reach the most affected populations efficiently. The organization has trained a team of volunteers on data ethics, protection, and interpretation, reinforcing local capacity.

The integration of gender, age, and disability-disaggregated data remains a top priority, ensuring inclusivity in emergency planning and response. As humanitarian needs grow more complex, DATA Alliance calls for stronger data governance and collaboration among stakeholders to foster accountability, transparency, and results.

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DATA Alliance Joins Disability Working Group: Advancing Inclusive Development Through Data

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In a significant step toward promoting inclusive and equitable development, DATA Alliance has officially joined the Disability Working Group (DWG) — a multi-stakeholder platform committed to advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across humanitarian and development contexts.

This strategic move aligns with DATA Alliance’s core mission: “to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders through innovative data solutions, research, and training, enabling them to address complex development and humanitarian challenges effectively and achieve measurable impact.”

By joining the DWG, DATA Alliance will contribute its expertise in capacity building, data collection, analytics, and inclusive research methodologies to ensure that persons with disabilities are accurately represented in data and decision-making processes.

“Our inclusion in the Disability Working Group reflects our commitment to evidence-based, inclusive development,” said Safianu Ado Ibrahim, Senior Technical Advisor of DATA Alliance. “We are excited to support data-driven strategies that ensure no one is left behind, especially those most often excluded.”

Through collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and OPDs (Organizations of Persons with Disabilities), DATA Alliance will help develop tools and frameworks to integrate disability-disaggregated data into program planning, monitoring, and policy development. This includes supporting capacity-building efforts to improve data literacy around disability issues among humanitarian and development actors.