Worried by the rising number of fatalities and human disappearances, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has moved to rally partners toward providing a coordinated and compassionate response plan to halt the trend.
 
Director-General of the agency, Zubaida Umar, revealed that the rise in the number of fatalities and disappearances in Nigeria is due to floods, explosions, building collapses, epidemics and other tragic emergencies.
 
Umar, who spoke during the launch of a national mass fatality response plan in Abuja, said that the absence of an efficient, coordinated and compassionate response plan had necessitated the launch of the fatalities plan and is also the reason why NEMA is taking the lead in tackling the challenge head on.
 
The DG explained that the plan, which is developed through evidence-based, rigorous consultation with relevant stakeholders, is expected to provide detailed procedures and operational guidelines for emergency responders.
 
“The plan outlines a clear framework for action. It provides standard operating procedures to ensure that even in the most chaotic moments, we act with dignity, respect and professionalism in the management of the emergencies,” she said.
 
Also, Head of Delegation, International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), Nourane Houas, observed that the launch of the plan is a landmark achievement for Nigeria because it is a crucial tool for strengthening Nigeria’s collective emergency response capacity.
 
She said: “The ICRC is proud to be part of this process, and we are enthusiastic about the vision and practicality and budget in this plan. We are equally optimistic that this document will be swiftly operationalised by setting clear processing in motion that will enhance preparedness, coordination and dignity in mass fatality response.
 
“As a humanitarian organisation mandated by the Geneva Convention and guided by international humanitarian law, the ICRC remains deeply committed to protecting and assisting those affected by armed conflicts and other situations of violence.”