FG to establish integrated disaster database (NEMA).

The federal government has stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive disaster database and risk information management system for the country.

Mr. Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), stated this in Abuja at a technical workshop on United Nations Risk Reduction Monitoring and Reporting of the Sendai Framework 2015-2030.

The workshop, hosted by NEMA in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), determined that the proposed integrated disaster database will strengthen current capacities across ministries, departments, and agencies.

Ahmed asked disaster risk managers to work towards a nation in which disasters are viewed as challenges to be conquered, creating possibilities for resilience, adaptation, growth, and development.

He stressed the necessity of putting knowledge into action, adding that Nigerians’ lives and livelihoods are dependent on the ability of disaster risk reduction stakeholders to do so.

Monitoring and reporting on catastrophe events, a key component of the Sendai Framework launched in 2015, are critical to its implementation.

During the workshop, Mr. Clement Nze, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), proposed a review of Nigeria’s present disaster risk data.

He stated that the project is financed by the UNDP’s Sahel Resilience Project (SRP).

Olivier Abayisenga, a UNDP official, emphasised the significance of unifying all existing disaster management frameworks.

He emphasised the need of interpreting hazards in the development planning process, bringing together various partners and humanitarian agencies working on catastrophe risk prediction and management.

Abayisenga reaffirmed the UNDP’s ongoing support for the federal government in attaining a disaster-free year.