ICRC Team and NEMA Officials Discuss Advancement of National Mass Fatalities Response Plan
Abuja, Nigeria – A team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), comprising Ms Damilola Fagbohun (Forensic Programme Officer) and Ms Anne-Sofie Stockmann (Programme Officer/Delegate ICRCR Abuja, Nigeria), held discussions with top officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) regarding the development of a National Mass Fatalities Response Plan. The plan has made significant progress, with a near-final version already produced. In their meeting, the team and officials agreed on a draft process to validate the plan and address other crucial aspects to enhance its adoption and implementation.
During the discussions, the Director General of NEMA expressed appreciation for the ICRC’s role as an essential stakeholder in disaster management in Nigeria. He emphasized the Agency’s open-door policy and commitment to fostering collective efforts in effectively managing disasters throughout the country.
Ms Stockmann, representing the ICRC, revealed that efforts were also underway to establish a national mechanism in Nigeria that would provide support during disasters involving mass fatalities. This mechanism aims to uphold the dignity and identity of the deceased, facilitate the registration of missing persons, and assist in tracing their relatives, among other important functions.
This update is distributed by APO Group on behalf of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria.