FEMD, FCT-CARES, SIGN MOU ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN THE FCT
By: Nkechi Isa
The FCT Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (FCT-CARES) and the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), are set to strengthen collaboration in disaster management, emergency response and early warning dissemination across the Federal Capital Territory.
This collaboration is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, designed to integrate disaster risk management and emergency preparedness into FCT-CARES-supported interventions, particularly those affecting vulnerable households and livelihoods.
The partnership focuses on timely access to reliable disaster risk information, early warnings and emergency advisories in improving programme planning, implementation and sustainability in communities exposed to flooding and other natural and climate-related hazards.
Under the proposed collaboration, FEMD will provide relevant available emergency alerts, disaster risk information, flood and hazard advisories, early warning updates and technical guidance on emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction, subject to its statutory mandate.
FCT-CARES, on its part, will facilitate engagement with FEMD communicate relevant programme information, encourage the appropriate use of emergency and safety advisories in programme activities and support access to relevant risk information.
The MoU also provides for joint sensitisation and capacity-building activities, technical consultations, information exchange and the integration of relevant disaster risk considerations into programme planning and implementation.
Both institutions will designate focal persons to coordinate the partnership, maintain effective communication and facilitate periodic technical engagements to review progress and identify opportunities for improvement.
The MoU is designed to remain in effect for five years from its commencement.
Through this collaboration, FCT-CARES and FEMD seek to ensure that disaster risk considerations are appropriately incorporated into relevant development interventions, helping to protect vulnerable populations.
The Director FEMD, Engr Muhammad Dikko signed on behalf of the department, while the General Manager FCT CSDP, Engr. Obinna Okafor signed for his institution.
