The National Emergency Management Agency has called for activation of emergency response teams of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps towards a disaster free 2024.

NEMA Director General, Zubaida Umar, made the call during a courtesy visit to the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the call was necessary in anticipation of predicted floods, which would be affecting 148 LGAs in 31 states this rainy season.

Ms Umar emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration among government agencies.

“Specifically, 148 LGAs in 31 states are predicted to be within the high flood risk areas. 249 LGAs in 35 states and the FCT are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas during the 2024 rainy season. I seek for your collaboration with NEMA in the onerous task of saving lives and livelihoods. This will also restore normalcy in the event of floods and associated secondary disasters as the rainy season intensifies,” she said.

According to her, the visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 2 by NEMA and NSCDC, aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness and response.

She underscored the need for continuous engagement to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of Nigerians during disasters.

 Ms Umar praised the NSCDC for its consistent support in providing security during disaster response operations, highlighting their role in safeguarding relief interventions and protecting vulnerable groups.

“NEMA distribution of relief materials cannot have been a success without the NSCDC providing safety and security to our staff, the beneficiaries, and the items distributed. The NSCDC has provided safety and protected the dignity of women, children and the elderly living in Internally Displaced Persons camps and those forced to take refuge in host communities as a result of disaster situations,” she said.

Responding, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, expressed the organisation’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with other agencies.

The CG highlighted the importance of collaboration in disaster preparedness, distribution of materials, and training.

According to him, NSCDC will deepen the collaboration and ensure a more robust approach to addressing the current security challenges in the country.

He also emphasised the need for coordination and cooperation among agencies to provide solutions to the ongoing conflicts.

Additionally, the CG assured NEMA of its organisation’s support in terms of workers’ safety and security during material distribution.

He reiterated NSCDC’s dedication to working together with its partners to ensure peace and security in the country.

(NAN)