HOR Asks FG To Procure Air Ambulances, Helicopters For NEMA

The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to prioritise and provide funding for the procurement of additional air ambulances and helicopters equipped with advanced medical facilities and search and rescue capabilities for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The facilities are to be deployed to key locations across the country, enabling swift mobilisation to disaster-stricken areas.

In a resolution following an urgent motion sponsored by a member from Plateau State, Ahmed Idris Wase, the House called for a review and increase in the budgetary provision of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to enable the Agency to invest in the training of personnel to operate and maintain the equipment.

The training, according to the House is to ensure that emergency responders are well-prepared to utilize these resources effectively.

In his lead debate, Wase expressed concern over the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies in Nigeria, which poses a significant threat to human life, livelihoods, and national security.

He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has a critical role to play in responding to emergencies and disasters across the nation and acknowledges the need to enhance NEMA’s capacity to effectively respond to these increasing challenges.

According to him, the agency is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and implementing efficient disaster response and relief measures, ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens during the crisis.

He said recent incidents have highlighted a significant gap in emergency response capabilities, particularly in search and rescue and medical evacuation.

Wase Noted that the current fleet of air ambulances and helicopters are inadequate to cover our country’s vast and diverse terrain.

‘This limitation hampers the agency’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas.

He expressed concern about the rise in natural and man-made disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and industrial accidents, hence the demand for rapid response and medical evacuation has surged. Our current capabilities are stretched thin, leaving many vulnerable citizens without timely assistance.

“In emergencies, time is of the essence. Delays in search and rescue operations or medical evacuations can result in increased fatalities and injuries. Enhancing NEMA’s air capabilities will significantly reduce response times, thereby saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

“There is an urgent need for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to acquire additional air ambulances and helicopters to enhance its capacity for search and rescue operations, as well as medical evacuations as NEMA currently has one Air ambulance and one Bell 429 Helicopter which were procured since 2014 from funds appropriated by the 7th Assembly.

“The negative consequences of the Nigerian Airforce and the Nigeria Police taking over the Air ambulance and Helicopter from NEMA, which has further depleted the Agency’s assets and compromised its ability to respond effectively to emergencies.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji