NEMA Strengthens Ties With NSCDC As CG Audi Ensures Effective Disaster Mitigation, Management

The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has expressed concern about climatic changes and the challenges associated with the rainy season.

He therefore assured the Management and Directorate of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of effective collaborations to mitigate disaster occurrences before, during, and after the rainy season.

Dr Audi emphasised the NSCDC’s pivotal mandate in Crisis and Disaster Management as one of the Corps’ statutory duties, noting that the NSCDC is a member of the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), whose goal is to ensure the protection and assistance of populations, as well as the safeguarding of property and the environment, in the face of natural and man-made disasters.

He stated that in carrying out this mandate, the NSCDC has maintained synergy by complementing NEMA’s efforts through disaster alert, providing security and maintaining law and order during the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons (IDP), and providing assistance to victims of disasters or emergencies throughout the country.

Speaking at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, the NSCDC Boss stated: “In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two federal government agencies, the NSCDC will continue to provide necessary security coverage and support to NEMA officials on duty and beneficiaries of government relief materials.”

Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director General (DG) of NEMA, spoke during a courtesy visit to the NSCDC CG.

She thanked the Corps for long-term collaborations and cooperation that have increased NEMA’s productivity and performance in fulfilling her roles and responsibilities to the nation.

Mrs Umar explained that the visit was part of a broader consultation with reputable stakeholders and partners to improve service delivery.

She stated that “Nigeria’s disaster profile and attendant humanitarian outlook call for strengthening and mutual collaborative effort between NEMA and NSCDC.”

DG NEMA also praised the CG for his consistent support in disaster management in the country, emphasising the importance of NSCDC activating its emergency response teams to collaborate with NEMA to save lives and livelihoods while also restoring normalcy in the event of floods and associated secondary disasters as the rainy season intensifies.

Umar also praised the reports of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which stated during the visit that 148 Local Government Areas in 31 states were forecast to be in high flood areas, while 249 Local Government Areas in 35 states and the FCT were considered to be in moderate flood risk areas during this year’s rainy season.