Flood: NEMA Inaugurates 10-man Technical Working Group on Mitigation, Response

By Kasim Sumaina

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has inaugurated a 10-man technical working group as part of the series of programs and activities it outlined for flood mitigation and response activities in Nigeria for the year 2021.

The Director General of NEMA, Mr. Mustapha Habib Ahmed, while inaugurating the technical working group yesterday in Abuja, stated that it was in line with the outcome of the recent National Consultative Workshop (NCW) on 2021 flood that was organised by the agency, which drew participants from the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Ahmed, who was represented by the Deputy Director Planning (NEMA), Ms. Fatima Kasim, said: “You will recall that NEMA organised a NCW on 2021 Flood Preparedness, Mitigation and Response in Nigeria in August.

“This was part of series of programs and activities outlined for flood mitigation and response activities in Nigeria for the year.”

The NEMA boss said that at the end of the workshop, the stakeholders thought it vital among other recommendations to constitute National Technical Working Group on Flood Preparedness, Mitigation and Response Activities.

He further said that the first phase in the implementation of the recommendation is the zeal to inaugurate the group to ensure that knowledgeable stakeholders gather to brainstorm and workout improved modalities to drive flood intervention processes in Nigeria.

He said: “The working group would routinely examine flood forecasts from climate services agencies and situational reports from states and provide necessary supports towards appropriate actions to save lives, property and livelihoods.”

Ahmed also affirmed the commitment of the agency to work with stakeholders towards reducing the impacts of natural and human induced disasters in the country.

He said: “The Technical Working Group comprises representatives of the Federal Ministry of Defense, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

“Others are the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the National Orientation Agency, the FCT Emergency Management Agency and the National Space Research and Development Agency.”