From Suleiman Abubakar
The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency NASEMA is currently facing severe operational challenges due to a lack of vehicles and adequate staffing.
Our correspondent has monitored the situation closely and provides a detailed report on the issues affecting the agency's efficiency in responding to emergencies.
Findings
Lack of Operational Vehicles
The agency has only one operational vehicle, a Hilux, which is attached to the Director General of the Agency, Barrister Z. Z. Allumaga Ubangarin Eggon Adan Uben Eggon, as his official vehicle.
This severe limitation hinders the agency's ability to respond promptly to emergencies.
In numerous instances, agency staff have struggled to reach affected areas due to the lack of available vehicles. This situation significantly compromises the agency’s mandate to provide timely and effective emergency response services.
Understaffing Issues
Further investigation reveals that the agency is also grossly understaffed.
The shortage of personnel exacerbates the challenges faced during emergency situations, as the limited number of staff is unable to cover the affected areas adequately or provide the necessary support and assistance to victims.
Impact on Emergency Response:
The combined effect of these issues is a severely hampered emergency response capability.
Delays in reaching affected areas and a lack of adequate manpower to manage emergencies effectively result in preventable losses and prolonged suffering for those affected.
There is an urgent need for the government to take proactive measures to address these critical issues.
The following steps are recommended:
Increase in Operational Vehicles:
The government should allocate additional vehicles to the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency to ensure that they have the necessary resources to respond swiftly to emergencies.
Hiring Additional Staff:
The agency needs to recruit more personnel to ensure adequate coverage and efficient management of emergency situations.
Provision of Necessary Facilities:
Besides vehicles and staffing, the agency should be equipped with all necessary facilities and equipment to ensure smooth operations and effective response during emergencies.
Training and Capacity Building:
Continuous training and capacity-building programs should be implemented to ensure that staff are well-prepared and equipped to handle various emergency scenarios.
The current state of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency is a cause for serious concern. Immediate and proactive measures by the government are crucial to ensure that the agency can fulfill its mandate effectively.
Addressing the lack of operational vehicles and understaffing will significantly improve the agency's ability to respond to emergencies and mitigate their impact on the residents of Nasarawa State.
