NEMA Convenes Emergency Coordination Forum Meeting over Release of Water from Lagdo Dam

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Nigeria has taken proactive steps to address the possible repercussions caused by the release of water from the Lagdo Dam. This move comes in light of the recent floods affecting the regions along the River Benue. To strategize and plan appropriate measures, the agency convened an Emergency Coordination Forum Meeting on Wednesday, 30th August 2023.

Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the Director General of NEMA, expressed the urgency of the situation during the meeting. Recognizing the existing flooding in some parts of the country due to heavy rainfall, he emphasized the need for cohesive efforts to mitigate the impact of the water release. The communities situated in low-lying areas along the states affected by the release are particularly vulnerable.

During the meeting, NEMA reiterated its commitment to providing relief and support to affected individuals in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities. Food and non-food items will be distributed, along with livelihood support such as agricultural inputs to help build resilience among the affected population.

Engr Clem Onyeaso Eze, Director General of the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), delivered a presentation on the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam. The release, which began on 14th August 2023, was halted on 28th August 2023.

The Director of Planning Research and Forecasting, Dr. Onimode A. Bandele, emphasized that the meeting aimed to gather stakeholders from various sectors in order to prepare for and respond to the potential humanitarian challenges caused by the released water along the River Benue basin. The meeting allowed participants to exchange information, discuss concerns, and propose practical solutions to the issues at hand.

Representatives from government agencies, the military, and para-military bodies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Federal Fire Service (FFS) were in attendance. Additionally, representatives from the United Nations systems joined the meeting.

This Emergency Coordination Forum Meeting serves as a critical platform for coordinating disaster management efforts and ensuring effective responses. By bringing together stakeholders with diverse expertise and resources, it strengthens the collective response to natural disasters like flooding.

In conclusion, the convening of the Emergency Coordination Forum Meeting by NEMA demonstrates the government's commitment to disaster management and its proactive approach in addressing the release of water from the Lagdo Dam. By involving stakeholders from various sectors, the meeting lays the foundation for robust coordination, resource allocation, and support for the affected communities. It presents an opportunity to collaborate, strategize, and develop innovative solutions to minimize the impact of floods and enhance resilience in the face of future emergencies.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-30 News

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