The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has inaugurated its newly built Geo-Spatial Centre in Abuja, aimed at revolutionizing disaster prevention efforts through advanced data processing, research, and forecasting capabilities.
In a ceremony attended by government officials and stakeholders, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, emphasized the global surge in disasters and Nigeria’s vulnerability to various calamities, including floods, droughts, and communal crises.
Sen. Akume assured Nigerians of the government’s unwavering commitment to effective disaster management and urged NEMA to leverage the new centre’s capabilities for improved service delivery and citizen welfare.
He commended NEMA for establishing the Geo-Spatial Centre, emphasizing its role in disaster forecasting, data mapping, and information management to mitigate the impacts of disasters on communities across Nigeria.
Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, the Director-General of NEMA, highlighted the centre’s critical role in disaster preparedness and mitigation, noting the significant milestone it represents in enhancing the country’s disaster management framework.
The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Sen. Mohammed Onawo, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Rep. Joseph Bassey, both pledged their support to NEMA in enhancing disaster management nationwide.
NEMA’s Geo-Spatial Centre, formerly known as the NEMA GIS Laboratory, was established in 2006 to improve humanitarian operations and has since played a pivotal role in disaster risk management.
Some of its key functions include using satellite technology for information gathering, conducting field surveys and evaluations, and developing risk maps to guide preparedness and mitigation efforts.
The centre’s inauguration marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s disaster management capabilities, promising more efficient and effective responses to disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
