The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council coordinator, Felix Obuah, has promised to strengthen the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department so that it can respond effectively to emergencies and disasters.

Mr Obuah made the promise during a familiarisation visit to the department in Abuja on Thursday.

He assured FEMD of better days ahead under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

“I promise to take all FEMD’s concerns and challenges to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is changing the narrative of governance in Abuja. I will also ensure full implementation of the department’s budget, with a view to reposition it for improved service delivery and effective response to emergencies,” he said.

The coordinator explained that the visit was part of his tour of all departments and agencies under the purview of AMMC. He added that the goal was to learn about the staff, their concerns, and the challenges affecting the smooth operation of the agency.

According to him, this is to ensure teamwork and achieve the department’s mandate of reducing disaster risks and effectively responding to emergencies.

He added, “Part of your work is risk, and most of the workers need hazard allowance and other entitlements that are not being paid. I am interested in what I will do to add value and ensure that FEMD works efficiently and effectively.

“I want us to work as a family; I want us to work as a team. Bring your good ideas to bear. Let us put our ideas on the table to see how we can move forward.”

FEMD director Ibrahim Sabo said the department had a well-coordinated and reliable structure and system for timely response to emergencies.

Mr Sabo added that the department had established 600 community vanguards and about 1,000 disaster management volunteers to ensure an effective response to community emergencies.

He also said that the agency equally trained 300 local divers across the six area councils of the FCT, as well as disaster marshals made up of different stakeholders.

However, Mr Sabo said that despite the achievements recorded so far, the department was faced with myriad challenges affecting its smooth operations. He identified some challenges as office space, a lack of an adequate number of operational vehicles, and other critical equipment, including personal protective equipment.

Mr Sabo also stressed the need to establish area offices across the six area councils to ensure effective and quality service delivery. He also urged the coordinator to assist in establishing Ambulance Points around the city to enhance response time.

(NAN)