NEMA and LASEMA Collaborate on Flood Response Workshop in Lagos
LAGOS/Nigeria: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), held a workshop in Lagos to address the critical issue of flood response through proper waste management. The event, which took place on Thursday, was themed “Harnessing Proper Waste Management and Flood Response Mechanism.”
During the workshop, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of NEMA, represented by Mrs. Ibitayo Adenike, Head of Operations at the Lagos Territorial Office, highlighted the significant challenges that Lagos State has faced due to improper waste management, leading to frequent floods and associated health risks. Umar stressed that proper waste management and flood preparedness are essential for the well-being of communities and the environment.
“In light of the increasing challenges posed by improper waste disposal and the impact of floods on communities, it is crucial to educate the public about responsible waste management practices and preparedness for potential flooding,” Umar stated. She noted that improper waste disposal has historically triggered flood disasters, resulting in property damage worth millions of naira and the tragic loss of lives.
Umar called for collective efforts to educate Lagos residents on proper waste management practices to mitigate such disasters. She advocated for reducing indiscriminate refuse dumping by minimizing waste generation at the source, promoting sustainable practices, and educating consumers on reuse, recycling, and safe disposal. “What we do to the environment is what the environment does to us in return,” she said, underscoring the importance of keeping drainage systems clear to prevent flood disasters.
The NEMA Director-General also emphasized the need for concerted efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and enhanced collaboration among emergency response providers at the community, local, state, and federal levels. She urged stakeholders to safeguard the environment by maintaining clear drainages and halting indiscriminate waste dumping.
In his welcome address, LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu discussed the agency’s role in developing loss prevention programs and policies. He highlighted LASEMA’s use of technology to mitigate natural and man-made emergencies in the state and formulate policies to ensure prompt emergency responses. Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized LASEMA’s commitment to driving disaster risk reduction in Africa’s most populous state.
He detailed the agency’s establishment of monitoring stations to detect rising water levels and issue early warnings, as part of its Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans. Additionally, LASEMA raises public awareness about flood risks, evacuation routes, and safety measures, while ensuring the preparedness of evacuation and safe relocation of victims from high-risk areas to designated shelters.
The Permanent Secretary expressed hope that the workshop would lead to effective flood response mechanisms, minimizing the impact of flooding and promoting resilient recovery through collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and communities. He also highlighted the importance of resource allocation, personnel, equipment, and community engagement in flood response and recovery efforts.
The workshop brought together various stakeholders across Lagos State to deliberate on flood control through effective waste management, reflecting a robust collaboration between NEMA and LASEMA.
