The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Police Force have committed to strengthening their collaboration in disaster management across Nigeria.
This decision was made during a courtesy visit by NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, in Abuja.
Umar emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between NEMA and the Police, stating, “We are inseparable partners in the critical task of disaster management.”
She highlighted the necessity of mutual support, especially given Nigeria’s ongoing crises and the rainy season, which often leads to widespread flooding.
“I boldly say that the Nigeria Police Force is a consistent and reliable ally of NEMA. This visit further underscores the need for stronger collaboration between us,” Umar said.
Recently, NEMA distributed assorted food items approved by President Bola Tinubu to vulnerable individuals across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Umar noted that this distribution was successful thanks to the support of the Nigeria Police Force.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the officers and men of the Nigeria Police who are always readily available in every community of Nigeria to assist NEMA staff,” she added.
Umar acknowledged that NEMA’s success in its relief interventions would not have been possible without the support of the police.
She commended the police for their role in securing disaster sites and aiding NEMA’s efforts.
She cited recent successful collaborations, including food distribution and the repatriation of Nigerians from global hotspots like Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya, as examples of their effective partnership.
The DG called for the full activation of the police’s emergency response teams to work with NEMA, particularly in the 148 high flood risk and 249 moderate flood risk local government areas identified by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHS) for the 2024 rainy season.
In response, the IGP thanked NEMA for recognizing the efforts of the Nigerian Police in their partnership over the years.
He assured NEMA of the police’s continued cooperation and support in protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.
