The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) today in Abuja, participated in a national recall exercise organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to test the capabilities of crisis response Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in a build up to national crisis response simulation exercise slated for July 2024.
The aim of the exercise was to practice the National Crisis Management Doctrine (NCMD) that was signed by the president in August 2022 and to test stakeholders, alertness level and functionality of their capability/equipment.
In response to this national assignment, the Agency deployed modern/state of art capabilities and responded swiftly to the distress alert from ONSA on Wednesday 5th March 2024 at about 0832 hours.
The NEMA team was led by the Director Search and Rescue Air Commodore Kennedy Matalowu with participation of Search and Rescue/Operations staff. The Press Unit staff also participated in the exercise.
The following resource capabilities were deployed:
A. 50 personnel in several layers of crisis response;
i. Contact Centre Operatives on standby for the alert
ii. Tactical responders (search and rescue\medical personnel)
iii. Media\crisis communication team
iv. Members of the Joint Operations Room
B. 3 Rapid Response Vehicles
C. 4 Mobile Intensive Care Unit Ambulances.
D. 2 Mobile Command Post Vehicles
E. 1 Fully Equipped Rescue Tender.
F. Triage material
G. Public address system amongst others.
These capabilities were acquired by the management of NEMA over the years to boost the equipment holding of stakeholders to improve emergency/crisis response in Nigeria.
Other agencies that participated included the Military, The Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, etc.
6th March, 2024