Inadequate resources, logistics hamper emergency response – NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged state governments to strengthen support for their emergency agencies to enhance effective response during disasters, noting that inadequate resources and logistics remain major challenges. NEMA’s Head of Operations in Benin, Mr. Kenoma Ojuedere, made the appeal in Benin, Edo State during a stakeholders’ meeting convened to brainstorm […]

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged state governments to strengthen support for their emergency agencies to enhance effective response during disasters, noting that inadequate resources and logistics remain major challenges.

NEMA’s Head of Operations in Benin, Mr. Kenoma Ojuedere, made the appeal in Benin, Edo State during a stakeholders’ meeting convened to brainstorm on emergency response and preparedness in the state following flood early warning alerts.

“Inadequate resources, logistics, and response vehicles constitute a major challenge to emergency response,” Ojuedere said.

He called for stronger synergy and collaboration among emergency response stakeholders to ensure effective flood preparedness and action plans in Edo State. According to him, resource and logistics gaps can be bridged if stakeholders work as a team.

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Ojuedere also appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to support the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) with vehicles and other logistics to enhance their capacity to respond effectively to disasters.

He explained that the meeting was aimed at discussing flood preparedness and response mechanisms, with the goal of producing a state flood action plan to mitigate the impending threat.

He noted that stakeholders often act individually, stressing that joint efforts would yield more effective and result-oriented outcomes.

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Jerry Idahosa, said the agency has engaged flood-prone communities as part of efforts to reduce the impact of flooding.

He said the state government had resolved the challenge of diversion of relief materials by involving the media in distribution exercises.

Idahosa further disclosed that renovation works have commenced at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to make them habitable, while tents would be provided in areas without camps.