Flood: NEMA, NAF strengthens partnership for effective response, mitigation

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Airforce (NAF), have pledged to strengthen partnership for effective response to imminent flood and disaster management.

The organisations made the pledge, when the Director-General of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Ahmed and his management team, visited the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ahmed said that the decision was necessary in view of the flood forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and other forms of disaster that may likely affect some parts of the country.

“With the increasing rate of occurrence and severity of disasters in Nigeria and across the world, it has become necessary for NEMA to strengthen its partnership with the Nigerian Airforce.

“This will enable us to save lives during emergencies and promote disaster risk reduction in communities.

“The unpredictable rainy season, which has started to wreak havoc in some states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory is a confirmation of NIMET flood prediction.

“Therefore, the time has come when NEMA will require the support of the Nigerian Airforce, particularly in the areas of search and rescue, transportation of personnel, equipment and other life-saving relief items,” he said.

Responding, Abubakar assured NEMA that the Nigerian Airforce would continue to provide the needed support when required, as part of its responsibilities.

He said that the Nigerian Airforce, would avail its 22 Disaster Response Units, located in different parts of the country to support NEMA’s disaster management activities.