Stakeholders have commended the prompt response of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) following the devastating flood that ravaged some parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
During an inspection tour of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps affected by the flooding, they gave the commendation.
The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, while at Bakasi camp, commended the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, for being efficient in deploying search and rescue teams and providing relief assistance.
Governor Zulum appreciated NEMA for the prompt support rendered in evacuating trapped persons and providing relief at the camps.
He said NEMA deserves to be appropriately funded to carry out its mandates adequately and hailed the Director General for being prudent with the resources released to the Agency.
He said, “We are happy to note the presence of NEMA working assiduously with the Government of Borno State. With their collaboration, we can achieve the objective of supporting the displaced communities.
“The most important thing that we expect from NEMA is to ensure effective coordination of all the support from non-governmental organisations and other organisations. We are ever ready to collaborate with them.
“NEMA activities include providing support to flood victims and other areas such as fires. So, I am also asking for NEMA for the Federal Government to provide additional resources so they can carry out their functions efficiently.
“While appreciating the kind of support they give, on my part as a member of the National Economic Council, we shall also put heads together with my colleagues to see how we can support NEMA in carrying out its duties when due.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Borno state, I most sincerely appreciate NEMA for their continued support, especially for their sympathy and empathy to the people of Borno as we have seen them working round the clock in all the camps. What matters is their contribution and sense of humanity for the people of Borno State.”
They were joined on the inspection by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, and the Senate Committee on Special Duties Chairman, Senator Kaka Shehu.
While at the NEMA warehouse, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, informed the Governor about facilities deployed by the Agency, including the mobile intensive care unit ambulances, mobile water treatment plant, and strengthening of the search and rescue operation with the deployment of additional team members from Abuja, Gombe, Yola, and Jos to join the Maiduguri staff and camp management officers.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Kaka Shehu, SAN, said, “I am happy the store is not empty despite being under budget. It is high time the Federal Government of Nigeria rises to the occasion following the calamity that has befallen Maiduguri and many parts of the country that have experienced perennial flooding in almost all the states.
“ I would like to use this occasion on behalf of the Senate Committee on Special Duties to appeal to Mr President to adequately fund NEMA so that NEMA can live up to its responsibilities.
“We appreciate the little funding. I am proud that the Director General NEMA and her team are doing well with the meagre resources.”
