The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified Nigerians’ delay in calling its toll-free when there is an emergency as one of the agency’s challenges.

Justin Uwazuruonye, the head of NEMA, in an interview on Sunday, said Nigerians, however, attack personnel mobilised to the location of incidents.

“The problem we have been facing is that Nigerians do not call us on time; this is because we do not live within that vicinity, and it is only those around that area that can call us,” Mr Uwazuruonye said.

He added, “But what we have been experiencing over the years is that some Nigerians start attacking us when we get there, which is not meant to be.”

Mr Uwazuruonye urged Nigerians to change their habits of not giving way to ambulances, FRSC and fire service.

“Most times, you see some motorists not giving way when they hear our sirens blaring.

“We want them to know that we will not blare these sirens if there is no emergency, so we need them to assist us so that we can effectively carry out our duties,” he said.

Ahead of the onset of the rainy season, Mr Uwazuruonye charged Nigerians to desist from building on waterways and blocking drainage systems with their solid waste.

“Poor waste management habits can adversely affect our environment, which can lead to flooding.

“But the bulk of the work still lies in the states as the cases of flood occur from there.

“The state governments should constitute their local emergency committees and start sensitisation in areas that would be mapped for flooding this year,” he said.

The NEMA official stressed that the agency writes warning letters to states likely to be affected by flooding. He, however, stated that the states do not caution residents.

“Yearly, NEMA writes warning letters to states where the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicts flooding, but most of these states do not take proactive measures in cautioning their people.

“We have instances of some states where people who were affected by the 2022 flooding are alleged to have moved back to their homes, some even rebuilding the affected portions of their houses.

“So once there is another flooding, they will call on the Federal Government and NEMA again for relief assistance; let us change our attitudes,” he said.

Mr Uwazuruonye also called on the media to assist the Federal Government by providing awareness on disaster mitigation and prevention to Nigerians. 

(NAN)