Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has urged residents of the FCT to actively engage in its safety programmes to mitigate disaster risks. The acting Director-General, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, made this appeal while discussing the department’s collaboration with RCL Industrial Safety Centre for the upcoming FEMD-RCL Emergency Management Forum 2025.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mohammed emphasized the importance of residents following FEMD’s safety guidelines and participating in community safety initiatives, particularly during the dry season. He urged residents to report emergencies using the 112 toll-free line or by contacting the Fire Service directly. The Forum, themed ‘Preparing for the Worse,’ aims to enhance disaster readiness through collaborative efforts.
Mohammed highlighted the need for increased cooperation among key agencies to improve the territory’s resilience. He noted that the Forum’s objectives include unified coordination, a risk profile review for the FCT, and enhancing the capacity of first responders. Mohammed also reaffirmed FEMD’s dedication to disaster response, emphasizing that preparedness relies on continuous training efforts.
He announced a major fire awareness campaign from December 1 to April 2026, focusing on high-risk areas such as petrol stations to prevent dry-season incidents. The Chief Executive of RCL Industrial Safety Centre, Mr Joel Oduah, acknowledged the FCT’s vulnerability due to its rapid growth and stressed the significance of the partnership in enhancing emergency responsiveness and preparedness.
Oduah mentioned that the Forum would utilize digital systems and AI tools to address various threats, including fires, floods, bomb scares, and medical emergencies. He also indicated that role plays and drills would teach essential life-saving skills like CPR and basic first aid. Additionally, he emphasized the critical role of community-based first responders, who often manage hazards before major agencies can respond.