NEMA, NSCDC sign MoU to strengthen disaster management strategy

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two agencies for better disaster management services.

The agreement was signed in Abuja by NEMA Director General Mustapha Habib Ahmed and Commander General Ahmed Abubakar Audi at NSCDC headquarters.

Speaking at the occasion, the NEMA DG said the MoU was a step in the right direction towards better provision of safety, security and dignity for Nigerians before, during and after the sudden outbreak of disasters and emergencies.

He said the partnership has become necessary as “we are making a renewed determination to deal with the growing complexity of disasters and associated humanitarian outcomes in Nigeria, driven by conflict and driven by extreme weather and climatic events.”

Therefore, he noted that the memorandum would further lead to a well-coordinated and stronger partnership between NEMA and the NSCDC for disaster management, particularly “as we begin preparations for this year’s annual floods and any potential event that may arise.” could occur during the upcoming general election in Nigeria in less than a month.”

Describing the NSCDC as the agency’s strategic partner, the NEMA coxswain said, “The NSCDC has consistently provided NEMA with security and safety cordons to enable a successful life-saving search and rescue operation.

“The NSCDC Emergency Response Unit has always provided a real opportunity to support the strong mutual support and cooperation between NEMA and the NSCDC. Under any disaster situation, there are potential secondary hazards that require cooperation with the NSCDC.

“As we say at NEMA, ‘every disaster site is a potential crime scene’ and this underscores the need for a better relationship between NEMA and the NSCDC,” he added.

Further, he said that NEMA has already provided an office for NSCDC at Agency headquarters for better connectivity between the two organizations and has consistently considered the need to collaborate on capacity building of both staff to improve their services.

In his remarks, NSCDC Commander General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, described the MoU as appropriate and relevant to the mandates of NEMA and NSCDC, noting that it would further enhance the existing cooperation and service delivery of the two agencies.

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