The House of Representatives on Thursday unveiled plans to investigate the utilisation of multi-billion naira approved yearly for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to Strengthen the National Emergency Management Agency to enhance speedy response to emergencies and disaster occurrences in Nigeria’ sponsored by Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Philip Agbese.
In his lead debate, Hon. Agbese observed that the Agency was established to manage disasters in Nigeria and was empowered by the Act to coordinate and facilitate the provision of resources for disaster curtailment activities in response to distress calls.
“The House is aware that amongst other mandates, the National Emergency Management Agency is to formulate policy on activities relating to disaster management and coordinate programmes for efficient and effective response to disasters at the national level.
“The House is aware that besides the other sources of funds accruing to the National Emergency Management Agency, the Agency receives 20% of funds for Ecological Funds Accounts, amounting to hundreds of billions of Naira from its inception to date.
“The House is concerned about various complaints against NEMA by victims of disasters and stakeholders for its delayed and ineffective interventions, causing concern among stakeholders and victims of disasters.
“The House is also concerned that NEMA has consigned its function mainly to providing relief materials and does not respond promptly to distress and disaster emergencies.
“The House is worried that if NEMA’s current conduct is left unchecked, Nigerians will lose confidence which would lead to its eventual transformation into a bureaucratic institution and a cash cow for unscrupulous individuals.
“The House is determined to strengthen NEMA to live up to the expectations of its Establishment Act particularly in the area of prompt and proactive response to disaster emergencies and distress calls.”
After the debate, the mandated its Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to review NEMA activities to conform with its mandates from inception to date; and evaluate NEMA’s disaster response capabilities in terms of personnel competencies and response/management infrastructures.
The Committee is also expected to determine if funds disbursed to NEMA are utilized in conformity with extant financial regulations and tandem with the agency’s mandates; and proffer recommendations on how to improve the Agency’s efficiency and effectiveness and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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