By Philomina Attah
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has commenced developing a National Policy on Relief and Rehabilitation Interventions for Nigeria.
The initiative followed a national stakeholders’ consultative workshop held in Abuja on Monday, to harmonise and standardise relief and rehabilitation efforts nationwide.
NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who declared the two-day workshop opened, said the policy would provide a coordinated framework for relief and rehabilitation interventions across the country.
She said the framework would define stakeholders’ responsibilities, strengthen accountability and improve operational efficiency.
According to her, the policy will ensure prompt humanitarian assistance without duplication or gaps in service delivery.
Umar appreciated the World Bank for providing technical and financial support for developing the policy.
She also acknowledged development partners and stakeholders for strengthening disaster management and humanitarian response in Nigeria.
Mr Francis Nkoka, the World Bank’s Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, , reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the policy development process.
Nkoka described the initiative as a major step toward strengthening disaster risk management and building a more resilient Nigeria.
He also commended the NEMA Director-General for leading the initiative.
The World Food Programme Country Director, Mr David Stevenson, lauded NEMA for initiating the policy development process.
Stevenson who was represented by the WFP Programme Officer, Mr Akeem Ajibola, at the workshop, said the policy would improve coordination and delivery of relief and rehabilitation interventions nationwide.
Earlier, NEMA’s Acting Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Abbani Garki, said the workshop sought stakeholders’ inputs for the policy.
Garki said the policy would be practical, inclusive and implementable.
He added that it would harmonise relief interventions and provide clear guidance for humanitarian response nationwide.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by NEMA with support from the World Bank.
NAN also reports that participants included representatives of ministries, departments and agencies, state governments, emergency agencies, development partners, academia and humanitarian organisations.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi