The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for stricter sanctions against individuals and organisations that violate safety regulations to reduce the frequency of disasters across the country.
This call was made by the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, on Tuesday in Calabar during the distribution of relief materials to victims of a recent gas explosion at Edibe Edibe in Calabar, Cross River State. Represented by the Head of Operations of NEMA Uyo Operation Office, Mrs. Aisueni Mmandu, Umar noted that many man-made disasters are preventable if safety regulations are properly enforced and offenders are sanctioned.
The relief exercise, conducted in partnership with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), involved the distribution of 300 bags each of rice, beans, and garri, all weighing 25 kilograms. Additionally, 50 cartons each of seasoning, vegetable oil, tomato paste, and detergent were distributed.
“It is wrong for a gas station to operate within a residential area without adequate firefighting equipment,” she said. She urged authorities to prosecute violators and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent unnecessary disasters.
Umar emphasised that continuous sensitisation remains necessary, especially regarding the proper handling of gas, electrical appliances, and combustible materials. She also mentioned that support for landlords whose buildings were damaged would be considered through rehabilitation interventions.
The Director General acknowledged that the distribution process experienced delays due to discrepancies in beneficiaries’ names and phone numbers. She added that NEMA would review its strategy and introduce vouchers for beneficiaries to ensure smoother future distributions.
Similarly, the Director General of SEMA, Mr. Antigha Gill, described the exercise as routine emergency support for disaster victims. Gill said the agency had intensified public enlightenment campaigns against fire outbreaks caused by negligence and poor safety culture. He advised residents to switch off electrical appliances before leaving home and to properly secure gas cylinders. “Most residential fires are caused by carelessness and electrical sparks,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Efiom Ekpenyong, who is a person with a disability, commended the Federal Government and emergency agencies for the intervention. Ekpenyong added that the relief will go a long way in sustaining the victims in the meantime. Another victim, Mr. Sadiq Basu, expressed appreciation for the relief materials distributed to affected families.
