(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/NEMA-MCC-300x225.jpg) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says its Mission Control Center (MCC) received a total of 80 distress alert signals in 2012 from maritime, aviation and land users.
Director General of the Agency, Muhammad Sani-Sidi disclosed this at a stakeholders' consultative meeting on coordination of satellite aided search and rescue services in Nigeria held in Lagos at the weekend.
According to the NEMA boss, the computer based satellite technology which uses the COSPAS-SARSAT hi-tech system/facility, had helped search and rescue officers to respond timely in saving victims from distress, especially on the high sea where he noted most of the distress alerts came from.
The system is designed to pick distress alerts and location data to assist in search and rescue operations, using spacecraft and ground facilities to detect and locate the signals of distress beacons. It also facilitates the speedy location of distress alerts even in remote locations.
Represented by the Director, Search and Rescue in the Agency, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade, the NEMA D.G explained that the meeting was convened to iron out the issues and challenges in a bid to optimise coordination between the various agencies in preventing air and marine disasters in 2013. Issues discussed at the meeting included the high rate of false alerts; roles of various stakeholders in following up alerts and reported cases of accidents where beacons do not trigger. Participants where drawn from NIMASA, NCCA, NAMA, AIB, Police, Air force, Navy, and operators of both maritime and aviation sectors.
In a related development, stakeholders have harped on the need for value re-orientation to improve conflict and disaster management in Nigeria. This was the outcome of a workshop on "Peace building and conflict management for sustainable development in Nigeria" organized in Kaduna by NEMA in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, National Orientation Agency and National Boundary Commission.
The participants who were representatives of communities, religious bodies and Non-governmental Organisations called for active collaboration among government, private organizations and communities to promote peaceful coexistence and safety through value re-orientation among the citizens.
They further stressed the imperative for proactive measures backed by relevant laws for early warning and responses to conflicts and disasters. They also urged the government at all levels to empower relevant agencies with mandates on conflict and disaster, while ensuring social justice and provision of amenities in communities as well as employment opportunities for the youths to also contribute to the development and peace of the country.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria