NSCDC, NEMA Sign Pact For Improved Disaster Mgt Strategy

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understand (MoU) with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen their partnership towards improved disaster response and management in the country.

The agreement, according to a statement signed by the director of public relations of the NSCDC, DCC Olusola Odumosu, was signed by the director-general of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed and the commandant-general of the corps, Dr. Abubakar Audi, at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

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

Mustapha Ahmed said the partnership had become imperative as “we make a renewed resolve to confront the growing complexity of disaster and the attendant humanitarian outcomes in Nigeria driven by conflicts and powered by extreme weather and climatic events.”

He explained that the MoU would further drive towards a well-coordinated and stronger partnership between both agencies in the management of disasters especially “as we start preparation for this year’s annual floods and any possible eventuality that might arise during the upcoming general elections in Nigeria in less than a month from now.”

Describing the NSCDC as strategic partner of the agency, the NEMA helmsman said: “the NSCDC has consistently provided NEMA with security and safety cordon to enable a successful lifesaving search and rescue operation.
In his remarks, the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi described the MoU as apt and germane to the mandates of both agencies, noting that it would further enhance their existing partnership and service delivery.

Audi described the move by NEMA as apt and germane to the existing relationship and fulfilment of the mandate of the corps.
He said NSCDC is a strategic life partner with NEMA because disaster prevention, mitigation and management is one of the core mandates of NSCDC.
He said the corps was readily available to welcome opportunities to provide useful humanitarian services to the people, and assured the DG that the doors of the Corps are open to offer regimental and capacity building trainings.

“NEMA is by this MoU, assured of leveraging on the presence of NSCDC personnel in all the 774 LGAs for support and cooperation in disaster management nationwide,” he added.