NEMA sensitise Niger State stakeholders on waste management, flood preparedness
As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of flood on lives and property, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Minna Operations Office, has sensitised Niger State stakeholders on waste management and flood preparedness in the state.
The Director General of the agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said this at one-day stakeholders workshop with the theme: Sustainable Waste Management and Flood Preparedness.
Mrs Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the Head, NEMA Minna Operations Office, Hajiya Zainab Sai’du, said the workshop was organised to sensitise stakeholders on the annual seasonal floor prediction by Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET).
“NiMET prediction shows some local governments in Niger are within the high risk areas, only proper waste management can reduce impact of floods.
“People need to know how to dispose waste properly to avoid blockage of drainages during heavy downpour ,” she said.
Hajiya Zainab Sai’du called on government agencies responsible for enforcing laws against indiscriminate dumping to reactive their activities to ensure people keep their environment clean.
She said with the increasing frequency and severity of floods due to climate change, proactive measures such as early warning system and community engagement were essentials.
She said the workshop was to share ideas and experiences and come up with strategies using the latest waste management technologies and best practices for flood risk reduction.
She urged stakeholders to engage actively by sharing valuable perspectives to develop integrated strategies for sustainable waste management and flood preparedness.
Earlier, the Niger State Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman Baba-Yimu, said waste management and flood preparedness was a collective responsibility.
“Waste management and flood preparedness is not a one man’s business and should not left to NEMA alone, it is everyone’s business,” he said.
Also, District Head of Maikunkele, Alhaji Suleiman Dada, promise to take the sensitisation various village and community heads on the need to caution their people against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
The workshop was attended by officials of NSEMA, NESERA, fire service, students amongst others.
