The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday strengthened collaboration to improve flood preparedness and waterway safety.
The agreement was reached when staff of the Kaduna Area Office of NIWA paid a courtesy visit to the NEMA Kaduna Operations Office.
Kaduna Area Manager of NIWA, Muhammad Bala, said closer collaboration had become imperative as the rainy season increased the risk of flooding and other water-related emergencies.
READ ALSO: Expert calls for stronger African voice in climate talks
He noted that the partnership between the two agencies had continued to improve emergency response and safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Bala said NIWA would expand its Emergency River Marshals initiative to train volunteers in riverine communities to respond to emergencies and promote safe water transportation.
“We are ready to work with NEMA through safety training, capacity-building programmes and public sensitisation to reduce water-related disasters,” he said.
Responding, Head of NEMA Kaduna Operations Office, Halima Suleiman, described the visit as timely.
She said stronger collaboration would enhance disaster preparedness and response, particularly during the ongoing rainy season.
Suleiman assured the NIWA delegation of NEMA’s commitment to implementing the resolutions reached during the meeting and sustaining the collaboration to safeguard lives and property.
