Call our toll free numbers once there is an emergency – NEMA tells Nigerians

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on Nigerians to call its toll free numbers once there is an emergency in their communities.

The free toll numbers are 08032003555 or 099043760.

Mr Justin Uwazuruonye, the Head NEMA, Abuja Operations Office, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Uwazuruonye said that the numbers, which are always active and manned by its experienced staff, would follow up by mobilising other stakeholders in disaster response to the location of the incidence.

“The problem we have been facing is that Nigerians do not call us on time; this is because we do not live within that vicinity and it only those around that area that can call us.

“Once we receive a call of that nature, we immediately mobilise the various stakeholders in emergency response to the location of the incidence.

“But what we have been experiencing over the years is that some Nigerians start attacking us when we get there, which is not meant to be.

“Also, the habits of Nigerians to NEMA, Fire Service, FRSC or even hospital ambulances should change.

“Most times, you see some motorists not giving way when they hear our sirens blaring.

“We want them to know that we will not blare these sirens if there is no emergency, so we need them to assist us so that we can effectively carry out our duties.

Ahead of the onset of the rainy season, Uwazuruonye charged Nigerians to desist from building on waterways and blocking drainage systems with their solid waste.

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“Poor waste management habits can adversely affect our environment which can lead to flooding.

“But the bulk of the work still lies in the states as the cases of flood occurs from there.

“The states governments should constitute their local emergency committees and start sensitisation in areas that would be mapped for flooding this year.

“Yearly, NEMA writes warning letters to states where the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicts flooding but most of these states do not take proactive measures in cautioning their people.

“We have instances of some states where people who were affected by the 2022 flooding are alleged to have moved back to their homes, some even rebuild the affected portions of their houses.

“So once there is another flooding, they will call on the Federal Government and NEMA again for relief assistance, let us change our attitudes,”he said.

Uwazuruonye also called on the media to assist the Federal Government by providing awareness on disaster mitigation and prevention to Nigerians.