Reps ask FG to purchase more air ambulances for NEMA

The house of representatives has asked the federal government to purchase more air ambulances and helicopters for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The lawmakers said the facilities will enhance the search and rescue operations of NEMA and ensure swift mobilisation to disaster-stricken areas.

The lawmakers passed the resolution during the plenary session on Wednesday after the adoption of a motion sponsored by Idris Wase, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Plateau.

BACKGROUND

In 2015, NEMA introduced its first air ambulance for emergency health care.

The aircraft, which was launched at the Trauma Center of the National Hospital, Abuja, was for quick transportation of patients with emergency cases.

Ibrahim Mamman, the then director, research and rescue of NEMA, said the project was part of the transformation agenda of former President Goodluck Jonathan at the time.

However, in 2019, operations of the air ambulance service were grounded due to repair and spare parts issues.

In August 2022, NEMA announced the resumption of its air ambulance services, noting that all the regulatory requirements were met.

THE MOTION

Moving the motion titled ‘Urgent need to enhance the capacity of the National Emergency Management Agency for swift and effective responses to national emergency’, Wase said there is an uptick in the “frequency and severity” of natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies in Nigeria, posing a significant threat to human life, livelihoods, and national security.

The lawmaker said there is a need to enhance NEMA’s capacity to effectively respond to these increasing challenges.

He said recent incidents showed a significant gap in NEMA’s emergency response capabilities, particularly in search and rescue and medical evacuation.

“The current fleet of air ambulances and helicopters is inadequate to cover our country’s vast and diverse terrain,” Wase said.

“This limitation hampers the agency’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas.

“With the rise in natural and man-made disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and industrial accidents, the demand for rapid response and medical evacuation has surged.

“Our current capabilities are stretched thin, leaving many vulnerable citizens without timely assistance.

“In emergencies, time is of the essence. Delays in search and rescue operations or medical evacuations can result in increased fatalities and injuries.”

The legislator said enhancing NEMA’s air capabilities will “significantly” reduce response times, saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

The Plateau lawmaker said NEMA currently had one air ambulance and one Bell 429 helicopter, which were procured in 2014 from funds appropriated by the 7th assembly.

Wase said there is an “urgent need” for NEMA “to acquire additional air ambulances and helicopters to enhance its capacity for search and rescue operations”.

He said the Air Force and the police have taken over the air ambulance and helicopter from NEMA, which has further “depleted the agency’s assets and compromised its ability to respond effectively to emergencies”.

The motion was adopted when it was out to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

Consequently, the house mandated the committees on appropriation and disaster preparedness to liaise with the budget office of the federation to “take necessary measures to ensure adequate funding is provided” for NEMA in the 2025 budget.