News Release: ANOSCOIN’s Expectation From Rejuvenated National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Amalgamated Network of Civil Society Organization in Nigeria (ANOSCOIN), is a fusion of 20 outfits committed to the safety of lives and property Nigerians. We have diligently observed and monitored the progress of NEMA since the change of leadership in April 21, 2017. In recent times, NEMA by our assessment has become more proactive and responsive in its operation.

We have always opined that the Change mantra of President Mohammadu Buhari-led administration can only be meaningful, if the President puts the right people in right positions. From the cheerful results ANOSCOIN gathered on the field with respect to the performance of NEMA, it appears the choice of Engineer Mustapha Maihaja as the Director General of NEMA, is a round peg in a round hole. We only hope he will walk the talk as to his commitment to ensuring efficient disaster management in Nigeria. It will be recalled that Engineer Mustapha, had pledged on taken over the leadership of NEMA on April 21, 2017; thus -- “I am taking over at a time the country is faced with major emergencies involving Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), meningitis ravaging various states and other challenges requiring urgent response from NEMA and concerted efforts with various agencies.”---. Maihaja’s comment here showed a man conversant with, and ready to bring about improvement in NEMA.

Engineer Mustapha’s pledge is particularly reassuring because in the past, ANOSCOIN received plethora of reports on diversion of relief materials meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in various camps, particularly in the northeast. But since he took over, the narrative has changed. Though, more credit must be given to President Buhari who is committed to the welfare of IDPs. The recent flooding in some parts of Nigeria, occasion by persistent rainfall, also tasked the ability of NEMA to respond to disaster management. Reports on intervention of NEMA suggested timely response. We only hope that the States omitted by government when it announced monetary donations to States affected by the flood are now accommodated. We expect NEMA to have comprehensive data of affected State here.

Now is the time for National Assembly (NASS) to show more commitment to the mounting plight of IDPs occasioned by flood, Boko Haram insurgency and other disasters in Nigeria, by making adequate provisions tackle these in the budget. On the other hand, NEMA should ensure effective collaboration with relevant agencies in disasters prevention and management, so that lives and property will not be lost unnecessarily.

A situation where complaints of neglect are reported in some quarters, as was the case in the past, will not be acceptable. It is our hope that Engineer Mustapha Maihaja will take NEMA to a good and respected level.   

Signed: 

Emeka Oraetoka {Chancellor}
                                  

Ipalibo Hart {Secretary)