The House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on Flood Management, led by its chairman, Midala Balami, has announced plans to establish mandatory swift-response local emergency committees in states.

This decision follows an oversight visit to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where the committee identified significant challenges and gaps in disaster response.

During the visit, Mr Balami highlighted the lack of local emergency committees as a major challenge.

He emphasised that the committees would be crucial for effective disaster response and serve as the first line of response in areas where disasters occurred.

The lawmaker said the committee would introduce legislation that would make it mandatory for all states to establish swift response local emergency committees.

Mr Balami said the effective deadline for states to comply would be the end of September and vowed to follow up on implementation.

The committee chairman emphasised the importance of coordination and resource allocation in disaster response

The lawmaker noted that having offices in all 36 states and adequate resources would significantly enhance their response capabilities.

Mr Balami stressed the need for a shift in focus toward prevention and mitigation, rather than just response.

He highlighted the importance of standardisation and enforcement of measures to prevent emergencies, particularly flooding, which could save more lives than response efforts alone.

Mr Balami acknowledged NEMA’s efforts but stressed that the agency needed more resources and backing to effectively coordinate disaster response.

The committee chairman explained the importance of prevention and mitigation in disaster management, noting that these aspects needed more attention.

He said the committee was also planning to have subsequent engagements with NEMA and other relevant agencies to develop a harmonised approach to addressing flooding in Nigeria.

The director-general of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, appealed to the committee to fast-track the bill, which is already before it.

Ms Umar expressed optimism that the bill, once passed, would significantly improve NEMA’s ability to manage floods and respond to guidelines.

She stated that, despite NEMA’s achievements, the agency had faced several challenges, including a lack of necessary resources, such as equipment and personnel, to respond effectively to disasters.

“There is a need to define the threshold for NEMA’s intervention in disaster response to ensure that the agency responds effectively without overwhelming local authorities.

“NEMA lacks the authority to enforce regulations and guidelines for disaster management, which hinders its ability to prevent disasters.

“Notwithstanding, NEMA is developing a national policy on disaster management, which will provide a framework for disaster response and management,” she said.

(NAN)