The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), held a workshop focused on flood response mechanisms through proper waste management.
The workshop, which took place on Thursday in Lagos, was themed “Harnessing Proper Waste Management and Flood Response Mechanism.”
Speaking at the event, NEMA Director-General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by Mrs. Ibitayo Adenike, Head of Operations at the Lagos Territorial Office, highlighted that Lagos State has faced numerous floods and health challenges due to improper waste management.
Umar emphasized that proper waste management and flood preparedness are crucial for community and environmental well-being.
“In light of the increasing challenges posed by improper waste disposal and the impact of floods on communities, it is crucial to educate the public about responsible waste management practices and preparedness for potential flooding,” Umar stated.
She pointed out that improper waste disposal has historically triggered flood disasters and adverse health consequences, leading to property damage worth millions of naira and loss of lives.
Umar called for collective efforts to educate Lagos residents on proper waste management practices to mitigate such disasters.
Umar advocated for reducing indiscriminate refuse dumping by minimizing waste generation at the source through sustainable practices and consumer education on reuse, recycling, and safe disposal.
“What we do to the environment is what the environment does to us in return,” she said, stressing the need for proper waste management to prevent flood disasters by ensuring drainage systems are free-flowing.
She called for concerted efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and enhanced collaboration among emergency response providers at community, local, state, and federal levels for efficient disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and response.
Umar urged stakeholders to safeguard the environment by keeping drainages clear and stopping indiscriminate refuse dumping.
In his welcome address, LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu outlined the agency’s responsibility for developing loss prevention programs and policies.
He noted that LASEMA uses technology to mitigate natural or manmade emergencies in the state and formulates policies to ensure prompt emergency responses.
Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized LASEMA’s role in driving Africa’s most populous state into the 21st century with disaster risk reduction.
The agency has established monitoring stations to detect rising water levels and issue early warnings, as part of its Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans.
It also raises awareness about flood risks, evacuation routes, and safety measures through public education.
He added that LASEMA’s preparedness includes evacuation and safe relocation of victims from high-risk areas to designated shelters, with trained search and rescue teams and medical response teams providing emergency care at IDP camps in Agbowa and Igando.
These camps are ready to receive affected victims with adequate supplies of essential necessities.
Oke-Osanyintolu expressed hope that the workshop would provide effective flood response mechanisms to minimize the impact of flooding and promote resilient recovery through collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and communities.
He highlighted the importance of resource allocation, personnel, equipment, and community engagement in flood response and recovery efforts.
He expressed gratitude to the D-G NEMA for the continuous support and the robust collaboration between NEMA and LASEMA.
The workshop brought together various stakeholders across the state to deliberate on flood control through effective waste management.
