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Flooding: Group canvasses for increased budget, international support for NEMA
The Inter-Society for Humanitarian Needs (ISHN) has called for more budgetary allocation for the National Emergency Management Agency to cope with the rising humanitarian needs of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its convener, Dr Njoku Ike, the group said this is necessary to meet with international best practices, considering the effect of climate change globally.
Ike said the interventionist agency has been overstretched in the last year due to the rampaging flooding, insurgency and other criminalities in the nation.
According to Dr Ike, NEMA has risen to the occasion despite the limited funds and resources at its disposal.
Commending the agency under Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the group said NEMA has been up to its responsibilities, touching every part of the country affected by the natural disaster.
Ike said NEMA has become synonymous with transparency and accountability in its operation, adding that the recent distribution of over 12,000 tonnes of grains to the 36 States attests.
But he added that a lot more needs to be done, especially as the NEMA boss has warned of worse flooding next year.
Ike said it is good that Ahmed understands the challenges ahead and must be supported adequately to avert the tragedies of 2022 worsened by the neglect of state governments.
The Inter-Society for Humanitarian Needs, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to consider improved funding for the agency.
The group also urged international NGOs and CSOs to channel aid to victims of humanitarian issues in the country through NEMA.
While calling for more proactive measures from state emergency agencies, Ike obliged the Federal Government to implement hazard allowance for the agency staff who risk their lives to go to the most obscure places to provide succour for Nigerians.
Ike, however, expressed confidence with more support, NEMA will do even better than it has done, implying better life for Nigerians.
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TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
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Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
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Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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