The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), says it will deepen the deployment of technology in disaster management in the FCT in 2025.
Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, acting Director-General of the department declared this at the 2024 end-of-year media briefing in Abuja on Monday.
Mohammed explained that the department would integrate technology in its operations, using lower orbit satellites to track real images and analytical data to enhance risk assessment and monitoring capabilities in the FCT.
This, he said, would not only enhance efficiency, effectiveness and decision making, but greatly reduce response time to emergencies.
He added that plans have been included to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Space Research and Development Agency to deepen technology integration in disaster response and management.
He explained that the collaboration would focus on capacity building, Geographic Information System, early warning, geo-spatial data sharing to strengthen the deployment of technology in the management of disasters.
“The aim is to strengthen emergency preparedness and response and further reduce our response time which currently stands at five minutes.
“We are equally building partnerships with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency and the Ufuk Dialogue Foundation on disaster management.
“This in the long run will improve our capacity to respond effectively and efficiently to any disaster across the FCT,” he said.
He further said that the department would also establish effective channels for information sharing and best practices, in addition to setting up secure data storage solutions.
“We also intend to increase our focus on risk assessment to mitigate potential disasters across the FCT,” he added.
The acting D-G also said that the department would strengthen collaboration with area councils and traditional institutions to effectively tackle emergency situations in rural areas.
He assured residents of the department’s commitment to the protection of lives and properties in the FCT. (NAN)
