As Nigeria braces for heavy floods predicted in several states this year, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has taken a proactive step to bolster its emergency response capacity. The agency has deployed state-of-the-art Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances to its operational centers in Kaduna, Owerri, and Uyo.
This move, approved by NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, follows a detailed assessment that identified critical equipment shortages in some regional offices. In a statement released Tuesday, the agency emphasized that the deployment is part of its wider mission to improve disaster preparedness and enhance life-saving capabilities nationwide.
“Given the growing threat of climate-related disasters, especially floods, it is crucial that our teams have the right tools to deliver timely and effective medical support,” Mrs. Umar stated.
The newly deployed MICU ambulances come equipped with comprehensive emergency medical systems, including oxygen delivery, patient monitoring, suction devices, and essential life-support equipment. These advanced features are designed to stabilize patients during evacuation and transit to hospitals, significantly boosting survival prospects during crises.
According to the agency, the choice of Kaduna, Owerri, and Uyo was informed by vulnerability assessments and regional logistics, ensuring resources are positioned where they are most urgently needed.
This initiative aligns with NEMA’s broader strategy to strengthen disaster management infrastructure across the country. Alongside new equipment, the agency continues to conduct community sensitization programs, flood simulation drills, and coordination meetings with key stakeholders to improve readiness at the local level.
With forecasts warning of potentially severe flooding in multiple states, NEMA has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and reducing disaster impacts through robust planning and swift interventions.
The agency urged communities to stay informed and cooperate with emergency authorities, stressing that collective action remains vital to reducing the risks and consequences of natural disasters.
