By Abubakar Rabilu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have pledged to strengthen their partnership to improve disaster preparedness, emergency response and humanitarian interventions across the state.
The commitment was made when the NSCDC State Commandant, Commandant Muhammed Inuwa Usman, mni, paid a familiarisation visit to the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Hon. Abdullahi Haruna Abdullahi, at the agency’s office in Federal Low-Cost, Gombe.
In a statement issued by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, CSC Buhari Sa’ad, the visit was aimed at consolidating inter-agency cooperation and exploring areas of collaboration in disaster prevention, emergency management and humanitarian assistance.
Usman described SEMA as a critical partner in the management of disasters, stressing that effective coordination among relevant agencies was necessary to minimise risks, protect vulnerable communities and ensure prompt intervention during emergencies.
He said the NSCDC, through its Disaster Management Unit, was involved in disaster risk reduction, early warning mechanisms, rescue operations and the protection of affected persons and relief materials.
The commandant assured SEMA of the corps’ readiness to strengthen intelligence sharing, conduct joint emergency response operations and intensify public awareness campaigns on disaster prevention.
He also pledged the corps’ support in providing security at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and protecting relief materials from theft, diversion and other forms of abuse.
Usman reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, patriotism and proactive service delivery, in line with its statutory mandate.
Responding, the SEMA Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Haruna Abdullahi, described the visit as timely, noting that it would further consolidate the existing relationship between the two organisations.
He commended the NSCDC for its professionalism and contributions to maintaining peace and security in Gombe State, while assuring the commandant of the agency’s commitment to sustaining the partnership.
Abdullahi said SEMA was prepared to work closely with the corps to strengthen disaster management systems, improve emergency preparedness and enhance humanitarian interventions across the state.
The collaboration is expected to improve operational coordination between the agencies, particularly in rescue operations, the protection of disaster victims and the effective distribution and security of relief materials.