By Miriam Humbe
The FCT Emergency Management Department, (FEMD) and the National Space Research and Development Agency, (NARSDA), have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding, (MoU) on the use of satellite imagery and it’s application for emergency assessment and management.
Nkechi Isa, FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed on Wednesday.
This is meant to enhance FEMD’s activities as the lead coordinating Agency of all emergencies in the FCT.
The objectives of the MOU include; use and application of space technology for disaster management focussing on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities.
The agreement also covers the establishment of a joint steering committee comprising equal representation from both agencies and training and capacity building of both operational and management staff of FEMD as well as the establishment of a disaster situation room for the purpose of disaster management in the FCT.
The MOU also covers the exchange of information and data in the disaster management field.
The Ag Director General of FEMD, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed expressed the hope that the MOU would be fully implemented.
Engr Abdulrahman commended NASRDA and assured that FEMD would uphold its own end of the agreement.
The Director General of NARSDA, Dr Olumide Adepoju called on the team from both agencies to look at achievable terms and implementation strategy and come up with a report within two weeks.
He assured on the full implementation of the MoU, saying: “On our part, we will provide all the necessary tools within our corridor to drive the successful implementation of the MoU for the benefit of the FCT”.
