The World Bank has joined forces with Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for a comprehensive two-day field visit.
National emergency and disaster management stakeholders convene in Lagos to delve into preventive approaches for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
The World Bank extends crucial support to Nigeria through NEMA, initiating a lesson learned exercise with a specific focus on the 2022 nationwide floods, aiming to glean insights for future disaster management.
Hosted at the Command and Control Centre (C3) in Alausa, Ikeja, the multidisciplinary team comprises various emergency responders, stakeholders, and representatives from four Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs).
NEMA South West Coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, underscores the objective of assessing the country’s emergency preparedness, urging Nigerians to heed early warning instructions.
Mr Nkem Joseph-Palmer, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist from the World Bank, emphasizes that the field exercise will pinpoint and bridge gaps leading to flooding
He encourages State Governments to leverage technology for efficient information sharing, facilitating prompt actions in times of crisis.
Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, acknowledges the substantial reduction in casualties during emergencies in Lagos, attributing it to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s significant investments.
He appeals to residents to support the government through prompt tax payments and adherence to rules and regulations to minimize risks.
NEMA reports that the 2022 flooding resulted in the tragic loss of 665 lives, with an additional 3,181 individuals sustaining injuries. The catastrophe affected over four million citizens nationwide, underscoring the urgency and importance of strengthened disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
As global concerns about climate change heighten, this collaborative initiative serves as a model for proactive disaster management, demonstrating the commitment of key stakeholders to safeguarding lives and minimizing the impact of natural disasters on communities.
