The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to prioritize and provide funding for the procurement of additional air ambulances and helicopters equipped with advanced medical facilities and search and rescue capabilities to be deployed to key locations across the country, enabling swift mobilization to disaster-stricken areas.
It also called for the review and increase in the budgetary provision of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to enable the Agency to invest in the training of its personnel to operate and maintain the equipment, and ensure that the emergency responders are well-prepared to utilize these resources effectively.
The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion on the urgent need to enhance the capacity of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), For Swift and Effective Response to National Emergencies, moved by Mr. Idris Wase.
He said that, the House notes with concern the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies in Nigeria, which pose a significant threat to human life, livelihoods, and national security.
Operations, as well as medical evacuations as NEMA currently have one Air ambulance and one Bell 429 Helicopter which were procured since 2014 from funds appropriated by the 7th Assembly.
The House mandated the Committees on Appropriation and Disaster Preparedness to liaise with the Budget Office of the Federation and take necessary measures to ensure adequate funding is provided for the Agency in the 2025 Budget.
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