The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Maihaja, has said that the Agency would engage state governments through intensive advocacy and sensitisation for efficient disaster management.
Maihaja made this known in a statement signed by Mr Sani Datti, NEMA’s Head of Media and Communication, on Sunday, July 29, 2018 in Abuja.
He said that the resolution was made at the close of the three-day special retreat of management staff and heads of its Zonal and operational offices.
Maihaja stated that one of the key parameters in disaster management was prompt response, therefore, the agency’s response must improve to forestall late intervention.
On the upgrade of disaster management in Nigeria, he said, “emerging issues that are international in nature will be implemented or embraced.
“Such as the aspect of disaster risk reduction vis-a-vis, the Sendai Framework, Satellite Surveillance System for disaster preparedness and mitigation.
“Policy documents established by the Agency are important operationally.
“In view of the dynamic nature of emergency management, these documents must be periodically reviewed, and new ones considered necessary developed,” Maihaja said.
According to him, efforts are being made for proper distribution of equipment across the country for disaster management and where not available, such shall be provided.
The director-general said that there was need for improved welfare scheme to commensurate with what is obtainable in other countries.
Maihaja noted that modern administrative and managerial skills as well as technologies will be strengthened to boost efficiency in the agency.
He said that the Governing Council of NEMA was particularly concerned about the present welfare condition of the staff, which was noted to be inadequate despite the risks involved discharging their duties.
He assured of a close working relationship to bridge any gaps between the management staff and union to stave off tendency of suspicion and acrimony for better industrial harmony.
By Lizzy Okoji
