Procure more air ambulances, helicopters for NEMA, Reps tell FG

The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to provide funding for the procurement of additional air ambulances and helicopters equipped with advanced medical facilities and search and rescue capabilities for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The lawmakers also sought an increase in the budgetary provision to enable the agency to invest in the training of its personnel to operate and maintain the equipment.

This followed the adoption of a motion on urgent national importance moved by former deputy speaker, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase.

The House noted that the air ambulances would be deployed to key locations across the country, enabling swift mobilisation to disaster-stricken areas.

While moving the motion, Wase expressed concern over the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies in Nigeria, which he said pose a significant threat to human life, livelihoods, and national security.

Noting the critical role of NEMA in responding to emergencies and disasters across our nation, the lawmaker stressed the need to enhance NEMA’s capacity to effectively respond to these increasing challenges.

He lamented that recent incidents have highlighted a significant gap in the country’s emergency response capabilities, particularly in search and rescue and medical evacuation.

Wase maintained that the current fleet of air ambulances and helicopters is inadequate to cover our country’s vast and diverse terrain, adding that this limitation hampers the agency’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas.

He added: “Worried about the rise in natural and man-made disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and industrial accidents, the demand for rapid response and medical evacuation has surged. Our current capabilities are stretched thin, leaving many vulnerable citizens without timely assistance.

“Aware that in emergencies, time is of the essence. Delays in search and rescue operations or medical evacuations can result in increased fatalities and injuries. Enhancing NEMA’s air capabilities will significantly reduce response times, thereby saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

“Cognizant of the urgent need for NEMA to acquire additional air ambulances and helicopters to enhance its capacity for search and rescue operations, as well as medical evacuations as NEMA currently has one air ambulance and one Bell 429 Helicopter which were procured since 2014 from funds appropriated by the 7th Assembly.

“Worried about the negative consequences of the Nigerian Airforce and the Nigeria Police taking over the air ambulance and helicopter from NEMA, which has further depleted the agency’s assets and compromised its ability to respond effectively to emergencies.”

The House subsequently mandated the Committees on Appropriation and Disaster Preparedness to liaise with the Budget Office of the Federation and take necessary measures to ensure adequate funding is provided for the agency in the 2025 budget.