Flooding: Group advocates increased budget, international support for NEMA

An NGO, Inter-Society for Humanitarian Needs has called for more budgetary allocation for the National Emergency Management Agency to cope with the rising humanitarian needs of Nigerians.

In a statement signed by its convener, Dr Njoku Ike, the group says this is necessary to meet with international best practices, considering the effect of climate change globally.

Ike says the interventionist agency has been overstretched in the last years due to the rampaging flooding, insurgency and other emergencies in the country.

According to Dr Ike, NEMA has risen to the occasion despite the limited funds and resources at its disposal.

Commending the agency under Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the group says NEMA has been up to its responsibilities, touching every part of the country affected by disasters.

Ike said NEMA has become synonymous with transparency and accountability in its operation, adding that the recent distribution of over 12,000 metric tonnes of grains to the 36 States attests is a good example.

He adds that a lot more needs to be done, especially as the NEMA boss has warned of worse flooding next year.

Ike says it is good that Ahmed understands the challenges ahead and must be supported adequately to avert the tragedies of 2022 worsened by the neglect of some state governments.

The Inter-Society for Humanitarian Needs, therefore, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to consider improved funding for the agency.

The group also urges international NGOs and CSOs to channel aid to victims of humanitarian issues in the country through NEMA.

While calling for more proactive measures from state emergency agencies, Ike urges the Federal Government to implement hazard allowance for the agency staff who risk their lives to go to the most obscure places to provide succour for Nigerians.

Ike, however, expresses confidence with more support, NEMA will do even better than it has done, implying better life for Nigerians.