The National Emergency Management Agency has underscored the importance of technology in disaster management for risk reduction.

The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, stated this at the sensitisation and awareness forum for COSPAS-SARSAT beacon users in Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

COSPAS-SARSAT is a satellite-aided search and rescue initiative dedicated to detecting and locating emergency locator radio beacons activated by persons, aircraft or vessels in distress and forwarding the alert information to authorities that can take action for rescue.

The satellite-based system detects and locates emergency beacons to help people in distress.

The theme of the workshop is “Keeping Abreast with Emerging Technology.”

Ms Umar was represented by the Director, Research and Rescue of NEMA, Air Commodore, Kennedy Metaluwo.

She described the COSPAS-SARSAT system as a vital component of Nigeria’s safety infrastructure, providing distress alerts to those in need.

Ms Umar stated, “However, the effectiveness of this system relies on the proper use and understanding of COSPAS-SARSAT beacons by users. This is why we are here today to sensitise and educate beacon users on the proper deployment, operation, and maintenance of these life-saving devices.

“Our campaign aims to reach all beacon users in Nigeria, including maritime, aviation, and land-based users. We believe that this campaign will not only improve the safety of beacon users but also enhance the overall effectiveness of our national search and rescue operations,” Ms Umar said.

The director-general urged participants at the forum to be actively involved at the workshop.

She encouraged beacon users to leverage the opportunity of the workshop to learn and improve their skills.

“Let us work together to ensure that our COSPAS-SARSAT is used effectively and efficiently to save lives,” Ms Umar said.

Stakeholders at the workshop include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Others are the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, federal and state fire services, the Nigerian Airforce and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The stakeholders advocated a greater synergy among emergency responders to achieve success in the search and rescue mission.

(NAN)