The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bloom PFM, David Korede, has proposed strategies to mitigate the impact of floods and natural disasters on Maiduguri residents and businesses in Borno State.
According to him, effective planning by professionals is crucial for emergency preparedness. He called for Business Continuity Planning (BCP) to ensure that essential services continue during and after disasters.
“Effective planning by professional is crucial for emergency preparedness. Incident investigations following floods provide valuable insights into failures and areas for improvement. Business continuity planning (BCP) ensures that essential services continue during and after disasters which is an eye opener for organization to develop plans that address potential flooding scenarios, outlining critical functions and resources needs,” he stated.
He noted that the Maiduguri experience underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness, emphasising that strengthening those areas can improve the safety and well-being of its residents.
“Maiduguri’s experience exposes the importance of a comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness, integrating community involvement, infrastructure improvement, and effective business planning. By strengthening these areas, Nigeria can enhance its resiliencee against flooding, ultimately improving the safety and well-being of its residents,” he said.
He emphasised that preventive actions and infrastructure development preventive action were essential in mitigating the impact of disasters. He further explained that the government must prioritise these developments, professionals and government institutions, ensuring that they are not only reactive but also proactive.
He added that community engagement would play a vital role in preventive strategies. “Training local residents in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)equips them with the knowledge to identify risks and take precautionary measures,” he said.
He noted that individual responsibility cannot be overlooked as they can engage preventive measures.
“While government action is crucial, individual responsibility cannot be overlooked. Community members can engage in prevention activities, such as local clean-up to maintain drainage systems and reduce debris that can exacerbate flooding. Awareness campaigns can educate residents about the risks of flooding and encourage them to develop personal preparedness plans, including stockpiling essential supplies,” Korede added.
