The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), in its 2024 performance report, stated that the department rescued 3,500 lives from various emergencies reported through 165 calls on its 112 emergency toll-free number.
The Acting Director General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, revealed this at an annual media parley with the FCT Minister’s Press Corps on Monday, where he noted efforts made toward disaster management, and strategies to safeguard residents of the FCT.
“Protecting lives and property is at the heart of our operations. The figures reflect our dedication to ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered. Every life saved is a testament to our commitment and preparednes,” said the FEMD director.
Major Incidents in 2024 include floods, fires, and building collapses.
The FEMD director stated that flooding remained one of the most pressing emergencies of 2024, with the Annual Flood Outlook warning of moderate risks for 249 local government areas, including the FCT.
FEMD rescued 75 lives from flood emergencies and reported one loss of life at Angwan Hakimi, Orozo in Abuja Municipal Area Council, where 145 persons were displaced and 23 buildings damaged.
“We rely heavily on early warnings from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and other partners to mitigate flooding risks. Our collaboration with local emergency committees and traditional rulers has proven effective in saving lives,” the director noted.
He said the department engaged local divers, vanguards, and town criers across the six area councils in order to strengthen flood preparedness.
On building collapses in 2024, FEMD said it responded to several building collapses, and rescued 105 people but recorded four fatalities. It report indicated that the incidents occurred in high-density areas, including Prince and Princess estate, Guzape District , Garki 2, Kubwa, and Sabon Lugbe along the Airport Road.
“The safety of residents remains a priority. We continue to stress the importance of adhering to building codes to prevent such tragedies,” Mohammed urged.
Also, Mohammed stated that fire incidents were another significant area of intervention, with 1,230 individuals rescued from various incidents which happened at Old Karu market, a fitness center at Gwarinpa, and residential fires, with no fatalities recorded.
“Our swift response is made possible by our dedicated teams and the cooperation of stakeholders,” FEMD noted.
The department in its report highlighted an attempt suicide , saying “There was an attempted suicide on a mast atop Katampe Hill. Through the skillful intervention of FEMD officials and the police, the incident was prevented.”
Other emergencies the department said it responded to is earth tremor and road crashes.
“Earth tremor—FEMD responded to the wildly reported earth tremor in Mpape, Katampe, and some parts of Maitama Extension where over 2000 residents were traumatized.
“Road crashes—89 persons were rescued, while there were 3 fatalities. We have also flagged off our ember month campaign in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps, tagged, ‘Operation Eagle Eye’,” The director said, stating that the campaign took them to Motor Parks in the FCT to sensitize commercial drivers on driving to stay safe and alive.
Community Support and Relief Distribution:
FEMD it distributed food packages to 150 displaced persons in Nyaynya during Ramadan and Sallah festivities, adding that hospital equipment and school beds were also provided to Kuje communities.
“FEMD, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA distributed food items to 200 persons living with disability in the FCT.
“Similarly, FEMD, in collaboration with NEAR Foundation, distributed Ramadan food package to Internally Displaced Persons in Kabusa and persons affected by the disaster in Dutse, Bwari Area council.
We also distributed hospital equipment to Kuje District Hospital and donated School beds to the Government Secondary school in Kuje.
“During the Sallah festivities, FEMD and NEAR Foundation distributed food and meat packages to 150 displaced vulnerable,” Mohammed further said.
Raising Awareness and Building Capacity:
FEMD said public education and capacity building were key components of its 2024 activities. It stated that sensitization campaigns were conducted in schools and communities, with a focus on vulnerable groups.
“Our goal is to foster a culture of resilience and preparedness. We are particularly proud of the young people participating in these initiatives,” the director said.
However, FEMD announced plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) to leverage Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other technologies for disaster management, noting that the collaboration will also focus on early warning systems and real-time data sharing.
Mohammed said despite its achievements, “Major challenges hampering our activities are obsolete equipment, limited office space, security issues on the field and inadequate funding.”
On PROJECTION for 2025.
The acting director said, “Going forward we intend to fully explore the deployment of technology to the management of disasters. These include Integration of technologies using lower orbit satellite to track real images and analytical data to enhance risk assessment and monitoring capabilities in the FCT.
“This will not only enhance efficiency, effectiveness and decision making, but greatly reduce our response time. FEMD in the coming year will establish effective channels for sharing information and best practices, in addition to setting up secure data storage solutions. We intend to Increase focus on risk assessment for the city center to increase focus on risk assessment to mitigate potential disasters.
“Close collaboration with area councils and traditional institutions to effectively tackle emergency situation at the rural areas. Dry/Wet Season Campaign on Traditional and Social Media Platforms.
“Production of Jingles, Short Documentaries, and Emergency Tidbits. Annual review meeting with local vanguards, local emergency committee, and traditional rulers.”
Mohammed assured residents of their commitment to the protection of lives and property, saying, “We are here to protect lives and property. We thank the media and our partners for their continued support. Together, we can build a safer and more resilient FCT.”