Nigerian Senate advocates support to strengthen Emergency Management Agency

Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Special Duties has advocated for more support to strengthen the capacity and operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to manage the increasing spate of disasters in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Mr Manzo Ezekiel in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Yusuf Yusuf who led the members on an oversight visit to NEMA headquarters in Abuja said the increasing incidents and complexity of disasters necessitate efficient response that could only be achieved with proper investment in disaster management.

According to Senator Yusuf, “This visit is to appraise budget implementation by NEMA. I commend the management under the leadership of the Director General, Mustapha Habib Ahmed for being prudent with funds in the management of the disasters in the country.“

A member of the committee, Senator Ishaku Abbo noted that disasters were inevitable, therefore efforts must be geared towards early preparations with proper funding and equipping for proactive response to save lives and property.

Another member of the Committee, Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi said NEMA should be supported to engage more in rehabilitation after initial relief interventions in the aftermath of disasters.

In his remark, Senator Degi Eremienyo who is also a member of the committee commended NEMA management for the successful resumption of Air Ambulance Services with complete maintenance of the Agency’s aircraft and meeting civil aviation requirements.

The Director General of the Agency, Mustapha Ahmed appreciated the committee for the oversight visit.

He said the Agency has continued to receive tremendous support and attention from President Muhammadu Buhari in the delivery of its mandates.

“The NEMA Air Ambulance is fully back to serve the nation, and the Agency is working on strengthening collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to further improve disaster management.”

The Senate Committee were also briefed on the current renovations at the Agency’s headquarters.

PIAK