Following the tragic tanker fire explosion at Ugwu Onyeama end of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu state, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has provided medical supplies for the treatment of injured victims at various hospitals and delivered relief items to families of those who lost their lives, as well as to the affected individuals.
The Director General NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, visited Enugu on Tuesday where she presented medical and relief items on behalf of the Federal Government. During visit, she also sympathized with the State Government and the families impacted by the disaster.
She informed State Governor Mr. Peter Mbah at the Government House that the medical supplies and relief items were approved to complement the state’s efforts in providing immediate assistance, including food and non-food items, to the affected families. She explained that the items were approved following a joint rapid assessment conducted by NEMA and the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency.
The Director General commended the swift response by the first responders to the incident, especially operatives of the Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, medical personnel, NEMA, SEMA and community members. She stressed the need for disaster preparedness in every community across Nigeria, stating, “Incidents like this highlight the critical importance of remaining vigilant about safety measures concerning the transportation of hazardous materials, and the establishment of effective emergency response protocols in localities. Just recently, in December 2024, NEMA conducted nationwide sensitization on early warnings and fire disaster preparedness. Let us use this as a wake-up call to improve our safety standards.”
Responding, Governor Mbah appreciated the swift response of NEMA and the Federal Government to the fire disaster. He noted that the relief items and medical supplies were evidence of the collaborative partnership between the Federal Government and the Enugu State Government in serving the people.
Highlighting the recent rise in tanker fire incidents, the Governor advocated for the implementation of anti-spill locks on trucks transporting petroleum products to mitigate spillage in the event of accidents.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar also visited some victims in the hospital, where she conveyed the Federal Government’s sympathies and assurances of support to them.
28th January, 2025
