NEMA calls for stricter sanctions to prevent disasters

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has called for stricter sanctions against individuals and organisations that violate safety regulations, saying tougher enforcement is necessary to reduce recurring disasters across the country.

Umar made the call on Tuesday in Calabar during the distribution of relief materials to victims of the recent gas explosion at Edibe Edibe in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Represented by the Head of Operations, NEMA Uyo Operations Office, Mrs Aisueni Mmandu, the NEMA boss said many man-made disasters could be avoided if safety regulations were properly enforced and offenders prosecuted.

“It is wrong for a gas station to operate within a residential area without adequate firefighting equipment,” she said.

She urged relevant authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and prosecute violators to prevent avoidable disasters.

According to her, continuous public sensitisation on the proper handling of gas cylinders, electrical appliances, and combustible materials remained critical in reducing fire outbreaks and related emergencies.

The relief distribution exercise, conducted in partnership with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), saw the distribution of 300 bags each of rice, beans, and garri, all weighing 25 kilograms.

The agencies also distributed 50 cartons each of seasoning cubes, vegetable oil, tomato paste, and detergent to affected families.

Umar disclosed that support for landlords whose buildings were damaged by the explosion would also be considered under rehabilitation interventions.

She, however, admitted that the distribution process experienced delays due to discrepancies in beneficiaries’ names and phone numbers.

To address the challenge, she said NEMA would review its distribution strategy and introduce a voucher system to ensure smoother future operations.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of SEMA, Mr Antigha Gill, described the intervention as part of routine emergency support for disaster victims.

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Gill said the agency had intensified public enlightenment campaigns aimed at preventing fire outbreaks caused by negligence and poor safety culture.

He advised residents to switch off electrical appliances before leaving their homes and ensure that gas cylinders were properly secured.

“Most residential fires are caused by carelessness and electrical sparks,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Efiom Ekpenyong, a person living with disability, commended the Federal Government and emergency agencies for the intervention, noting that the relief materials would help affected victims cope with their losses.

Another victim, Mr Sadiq Basu, also expressed appreciation for the support provided to affected families.