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Friday, July 27, 2012

NATIONAL POLICY ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1.1 INTRODUCTION
It is a fact of life that at one time or another a community or nation will be faced with an adversity, a calamity, a catastrophe, a disaster or emergency, natural or man-made. Realizing disaster as a fact of life and the need to prepare for its eventuality led the Federal Government to formulate a National Policy on Disaster Management, which is meant to cater for required responsibilities of the Federal, States and Local Governments respectively when disasters occur.

Government at all levels, NGOS and Civil Society Organizations, the private sector, International Development Partners and United Nations Agencies have pursued a wide range of strategies and programmes to prevent and respond to disaster situations. However, these initiatives have been undertaken in a less consistent and harmonious manner and remained reactive and uncoordinated outside a coherent Policy framework.

1.2 OBJECTIVES AND IMPERATIVES OF THE POLICY
In order to guarantee the adherence to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Government initiates, formulates and Implements policies and programmes of activities to make the Nigerian environment peaceful, orderly and conducive for all its citizens. The policies of government are also targeted at preventing, reducing or managing disasters in all their ramifications whenever they occur.

The primary goal of the government in formulating the National Policy is to integrate disaster management in the national development process in order to facilitate quick and coordinated response to such situations as may be required so as to save as many lives as possible when disasters occur bearing in mind that increased safety will promote the use and enjoyment of our environment and economic development.

The policy aims at establishing and strengthening of disaster management institutions, partnerships, networking and main streaming disaster risk reduction in the development process so as to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable groups to cope with potential disasters.

The policy has also highlighted coordination of disaster risk reduction initiatives within a unified policy framework in a proactive manner at all levels of Government.

The wide spread of disaster prone areas in a country as large as Nigeria requires that policy on disaster management should not only vary drastically from one area to another with respect to the same type of disaster and that overlapping jurisdictions do not introduce unusual ambiguities and complexities in the interpretation and execution of policies.

It is also necessary to have a well thought out and coherent programme of disaster management. In this policy, the different roles of each tier of government and other stakeholders are articulated. A policy of this nature shall provide clear rules for predictable behaviour of the unambiguous regulations for the management of disaster and a clearly prescribed pattern of such disaster management with the roles of the different actors clearly defined.

Prior to the formulation of this policy, disaster management at each tier of government had been individualistic. This policy is therefore necessary In order to herald an integrated approach to disaster management. Disasters should be analyzed not in isolation but as extreme situations that are implied on the everyday conditions of the population. They must be placed in the context of the development of the entire social systems in which they occur. ln order to determine its threshold of tolerance and achieve the control of the environment, a country requires a disaster management policy which will cater for:
i. National development planning and disaster management;
ii. Disaster prevention,
iii. Disaster mitigation;
iv. Disaster preparedness;
v. Disaster response; and
vi. Disaster recovery/rehabilitation.

Disaster management is therefore a collective responsibility Of the Federal, State, Local Governments and other stakeholders. Community based organizations and non-governmental organizations should be courted, encouraged and supported to render assistance. The Federal Government’s concern about the non existence of disaster management structure in some States and Local Governments. in the Federation, which has continuously made local problem to assume such a proportion as to become a matter of concern to the Federal Government further contributed to the reasons for putting up this policy.

1.3 MEANING OF DISASTER
Nigeria like any other country is exposed to a wide range of social hazard which could be natural or man made in which the lives of the citizens as well as infrastructures may be endangered or adversely affected. Such hazards could lead to great or sudden misfortune causing severe widespread disruption to normal patterns of life, injury, hardship and adverse effect on health. Furthermore, the event affects the social structure such as destruction or damage to Governance, Legal systems, buildings, communications and essential services. Disaster therefore means a serious disruption of the functioning of the society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses, which exceed the capability of the affected society to cope with using only its own resources.

1.4 DISASTERMANAGEMENT
Disaster management may be defined as those measures which are aimed at impeding the occurrence of a disaster event and for preventing such an occurrence from having harmful effects on communities. Disaster management encompasses a body of policies, regulations and operational activities which exist for dealing with disasters. These include classical management functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. It also involves many organizations which must work together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and promote recovery from the effects of disaster. This implies that there must be institutions or organizations and procedure at the various levels of government to cater for the pre impact and post impact levels of disasters. All the Organizations involved in the management of disaster need to be well coordinated in large country like Nigeria. This made the Federal Government to establish the National Emergency Management Agency as a coordinating agency.

It is clear from these explanations that disaster management is so inclusive that no one individual, group or organization or level of government can be responsible for the entire range of disaster management activities.
1.5 TYPES OF DISASTER IN NIGERIA
The main types of disaster which disaster management organizations may be called upon to manage include:
i. Floods;
ii. Destructive storms;
iii. Drought;
iv. Desertification;
v. Catastrophic gully and coastal erosion
vi. Disease epidemic;
vii. Civil strife;
viii. Fire disasters;
ix. Building collapse;
x. Explosions;
xi. Aviation disasters;
xii. Road accidents;
xiii. Maritime and inland waterways disasters; and
xiv. Earth tremor/land slide.

1.6 COMPONENTS OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT
The management of the aforementioned disasters entails six interrelated groups of activities. The activities are:
i. National development planning and disaster management;
ii. Disaster prevention;
iii. Disaster mitigation;
iv. Disaster preparedness;
v. Disaster response, and
vi. Disaster recovery.

These six functions which together make up disaster management shall be effectively performed by various levels of government.

1.6.1. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
The Federal, States and Local Governments shall be disaster- conscious in their development planning and activities and shall therefore put in place various counter disaster measures and programmes. These measures and programmes shall be designed to ensure that development promotes disasters reduction, does not create new disaster threats and does not worsen existing disaster threats.

These measures and programmes include:
i. Dam construction, to reduce river flooding;
ii. Urban master plans, to reduce urban flooding;
iii. Implementation of the Env1ronme impact Assessment Act, to ensure that development projects do not create new or increase existing disaster threats;
iv. Medical and health plans, to counter threats of disease epidemics, and
v. Promoting ethno-religious harmony amongst its people through conflict transformation, resolution and management.

The problem with these measures is that they are often not faithfully implemented or applied. This applies, in particular, to urban master plans and emergency regulations, which partly explains why we continue to have urban flood disasters and communal clashes in various parts of the country. The three (3) tiers of Government are expected to apply the aforementioned measures meticulously.

1.6.2. DISASTER PREVENTION
Disaster prevention measures are designed to impede the occurrence of a disaster event or to prevent such a disaster event from having a devastating impact on people, infrastructures and the economy. All the natural disasters which occur in Nigeria, with the exception of destructive storms, drought and earth tremors, can be prevented to a greater or lesser degree. For example, disaster preventive measures against flood disasters include:

i. Aforestation, to slow down runoff and promote infiltration of rain water into the soil and to reduce the occurrence and magnitude of floods;
ii. Better land use planning and development control that keep people off areas which are liable to floods;
iii. Dam construction, to even out stream flow;
iv. The construction of drainage canals in low-lying areas to take away storm waters quickly;
v. Stream channelization; and
vi. The provision and maintenance of drainage ditches or gutters in urban areas.

There is the need therefore for the Federal, States, Local Governments and other disaster managers to get the civil populace and agencies concerned joke drainage canals, channelized streams and drainage ditches free of solid waste, which often renders them ineffective.

1.6.2.1. There shall also be put in place measures to prevent:
i. Disease epidemic, e.g. adherence to sanitation laws and regulations;
ii. Civil strife leading to displacement of persons, e.g. constitution of security committees at Federal, State and Local Government Levels and better intelligence gathering system of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies;
iii. Fire disasters, i.e. adherence to fire codes;
iv. Building collapse, i.e. adherence to building codes;
v. Aviation disasters, i.e. adherence to civil aviation safety regulations
vi. Road accidents, i.e. adherence to the Highway code;
vii. Maritime and inland waterways disasters, i.e. adherence to safety regulations.
viii. Explosions, i.e. adherence to laws and regulations guiding the handling, use, storage, and transportation of explosives, e.t.c.

Thus, whenever any of these types of disaster occurs, the chances are that someone or some people have flouted existing laws, regulations, codes and procedures and or somebody or some people have failed to enforce these laws, regulations, codes and procedures. The three tiers of government shall therefore ensure compliance with all laws and regulations that are designed to prevent, mitigate and control disasters.

1.6.3. DISASTER MITIGATION
Disaster mitigation measures are specifically designed to reduce or minimize the impact of disasters whenever they occur in Nigeria. The measures are often, but not always, in the form of laws and regulations.
They include:
i. Building codes;
ii. Development control measures;
iii. Safety regulations relating to high rise building and the handling of explosives and other hazardous substances;
iv. Safety codes for land, water and air transportation;
v. Irrigation projects to counter drought and
vi. The establishment of shelterbelts to mitigate the effects of drought and desertification.

The existing regulations which are meant for disaster mitigation are usually not being strictly enforced. The result is that when disasters occur, people, infrastructure and the economy feel their full impact. The three tiers of Government ought to ensure the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations.

1.6.4. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Disaster preparedness are activities and measures undertaken in advance to make it easier for all levels of communities and individuals to respond quickly and effectively to disaster events. These measures include among others:
i. The three (3) tiers of Governments shall ensure that First Aid training forms part of the curriculum at all educational levels.
ii. Disaster management contingency plans;
iii. Disaster relief stockpiling such as building materials, blankets, buckets, food items etc;
iv. Early Warning Systems;- This means an organized structure for prediction and disserninations of timely and effective information to allow individuals who may be at risk to take action to avoid or reduce, their risk and prepare for effective response.
v. Emergency communication systems;
vi. Public education and awareness; and
vii. Training programmes for disaster responders;

1.6.4.1. The Federal Government through the Nation
Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has drawn up a National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) which has been approved by the Federal Executive Council. The National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP):
i. States the disaster response and recovery actions and responsibilities of the Federal Government and its agencies;
ii. Describes the Federal Government’s response and recovery resources available to support States, Local Governments and communities to save lives, protect public health and safety, protect property and aid victims in their reconstruction efforts after a disaster;
iii. Describes disaster management facilities available in some non-governmental organizations which may be called upon for assistance in times of emergency
iv. Describes the standard operating procedures or disaster response functions of relevant Federal Government Agencies and some non-government organizations;
v. Assigns disaster response functions to vanous government agencies like:- Armed Forces, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority, geria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Fire Services, National Airspace Management Agency, n government organizations and companies with relevant capacities as specified in National Disaster Response Plan; and
vi. Provides a coordinating framework hr disaster response with NEMA as its hub.

1.6.4.2. The NDRP is a very important document with which all disaster responders In Nigeria should be familiar with. There is therefore the need for N EMA to continue to aggressively:
i. Mount campaigns to make all stakeholders aware of their responsibilities under the NDRF and enlist their cooperation;
ii. Sensitize and encourage stakeholders to build their disaster response plan and capabilities, and
iii. Put the NDRP to the test in simulation exercises.

The States and Local Governments shall adopt the provisions of the NDRP mutatis mutandis.

Federal, States, and Local Governments shall also maintain a stockpile of disaster relief materials to enable the relevant tier of government respond reasonably and quickly to a disaster. The stockpile shall include but not limited to food items, household utensils, clothing materials, beddings and building materials. The three (3) tiers of Government shall cultivate a policy of maintaining their own stockpiles of resources with which to meet emergencies or have a budget line that will enable them to obtain these resources at short notice.

1.6.5. DISASTER RESPONSE
Disaster response are measures to be taken during or immediately after a disaster impact to save lives, care for the victims, protect properties and effect emergency repairs to infrastructures. These Include:
i. Search and rescue;
ii. Survey and assessment of disaster impact and needs created;
iii. Evacuation of victims; and
iv. Mass care.

1.6.5.1. Despite the existence of many disaster response outfits in Nigeria, both governmental and non-governmental agencies, a number of things were lacking that made response to certain disasters as well as civil’ strife incidents that have occurred in various parts of the country, not as timely and effective as they should have been. These inadequacies include lack of effective coordination, inadequate training, lack of equipment, lack of relief materials and absence of adequate early warning systems. It is hereby proposed by this policy that
i. There shall be effective coordination of the efforts of the numerous disaster responders;
ii. Adequate training of people for search and rescue and relief operations;
iii. There shall be adequate First Aid training for the Nigeria Police Force, Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Armed forces, Federal Road Safety Corps and all other paramilitary structures for effective emergency response,
iv. Equipment such as helicopters, fire tenders with capacity to fight fires in high rise buildings, etc.;
v. Regular simulation of rescue procedures e.g. fire drills etc.;
vi. Availability of relief materials; and
vii. Adequate Early Warning System mechanisms.

1.6.6. DISASTER RECOVER
Recovering from a disaster is the process by which a disaster stricken area returns to its pre disaster state: The three tiers of Government shall rapidly ensure:
i. The restoration of properties, essential services and infrastructure damaged by the disaster; and
ii. Rehabilitation of stricken people or displaced persons so that their trauma Is put behind them and they settle down to their pie-disaster lives and livelihoods.



THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

2.1 ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The Federal Government through the National Emergency
Management Agency shall by this policy perform the following disaster management functions:
a. Formulate policy on all activities relating to disaster management In Nigeria and co-ordinate the plans and programmes for efficient and effective response to disasters at national level;
b. Co-ordinate and promote research activities relating to disaster management at the national level;
c. Monitor the state of preparedness of all organizations or agencies which may contribute to disaster management In Nigeria;
d. Collate data from relevant agencies so as to enhance forecasting, planning and field operations of disaster management;
e. Educate and inform the public on disaster prevention and control measures;
f. Co-ordinate and facilitate the provision of necessary resources for search and rescue and other types of disaster curtailment activities in response to distress call;
g. Co-ordinate and support the activities of non-governmental organizations engaged in disaster management in any part of the Federation;
h. Receive financial and technical aid from international organizations and non-governmental agencies for the purpose of disaster management in Nigeria;
i. Collect emergency relief materials or supplies from local, foreign sources and from international and non-governmental agencies;
j. Distribute emergency relief materials to victims of natural or other disasters including internally displaced persons and assist in the rehabilitation of the victims where necessary;
k. Liaise with State or Local Government Emergency Management Agencies to assess and monitor where necessary the distribution of relief materials to disaster victims,
l. Process relief assistance to such countries as may be determined from time to time;
m. Liaise with alt relevant foreign or International agencies like the United Nations Institutions or such other international bodies for the reduction of natural and other disasters; and
n. Perform such other functions which in the opinion of the NEMA are required for the purpose of achieving the objectives of this policy.

The enabling Act of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has put in place modalities for its establishment, membership of its Governing Council and other incidental or ancillary matters.

2.2 THEROLEOFTHESTATEGOVERNMENTS
All States in the Federation shall ensure that they put in place legislation setting up a body to be known as State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The legislation which shall include provisions that will ensure that Local Governments in the State setup agencies with similar functions shall have among other things the following provisions:
a. Establishment in the state a body to be known as the State Emergency Management Agency (SE MA),
b. The State Agency
• Shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession; and
• May sue and be sued in its corporate name.

There shall also be established for the management of the State Agency, a governing council, hereinafter referred to as “the Council The Council shall consist of
a. The Deputy Governor of the State, who shall be the Chairman,
b. The Secretary to the State Government,
c. ONE representative each from:
• The State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare,
• The State Ministry of Health,
• The State Ministry of Works,
• The State Ministry of Water Resources,
• The state fire service,
• The Federal Airport Authority of Nigerian the State,
• The State Environmental Protection Agency,
• The National Emergency Management Agency
• The Disaster Reaction Unit within the State/geo political zone
• The Nigeria Police Force,
• The Federal Road Safety Corps,
• The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
• The Nigerian Red Cross Society,
• The National Maritime Authority in coastal States,
• Such voluntary organization as may be determined from time to time by the State Government, and
• The head of the State Agency as member/Secretary.
(c). The State functions of the Agency shall include the following:
a. Respond to any disaster within the State and may seek assistance from the National Emergency Management Agency when damage and need assessment are considered beyond the state’s capacity of response,
b. Collect and collate data on disaster in their respective states, and
c. Carry out disaster management activities in the State.



2.3. THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
All Local Government represents the third (3) tier of Government in the Country. This tier shall equally put in place a legislation setting up a body to be known as the Local Government Emergency Management Agency similar to the one at the State Level and in line with the State’s Law on it.
The Local Governments in the Federation shall put in place a legislation setting up an Agency for disaster management. The enabling Bye-Law shall have among other things the following provisions: -
Establishment of a body to be known as the Local Government Emergency Man (LEMA).
The Local Government Agency
(a) Shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession; and
(b) May sue and be sued in its corporate name.

There shall also be established for the management of the Local
Government Agency, a governing Council hereinafter referred to as “the Council”.
The Council shall consist of
a. The Chairman of the Local Government, who shall be the Chairman,
b. The Secretary to the Local Government,
c. The Councilor of Works
d. The councilor of health,
e. The Chairman of Local Governments Traditional Council,
f. The head of information Unit of the Local Government,
g. The head of Social Welfare Unit of the Local Government
h. The Divisional Police Officer
i. One representative each from:
i. The State Emergency Management Agency,
ii. The Disaster Reaction Units within the Local Government Area,
iii. The Federal Road Safety Corps.,
iv. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.,
v. The Nigerian Red Cross Society,
vi. Such voluntary organization as may be determined from time to time; and
j. The head of the Local Government Emergency Management Agency as Member! Secretary.
The Local Government’s Agency shall:
a. Respond to any disaster within the Local Government and may seek assistance from the State Emergency Management Agency if it deems fit in each circumstance,
b. Collect and collate data on disaster In their respective Local Governments; and
c. Carry out disaster management activities in the Local Government as may, from time to time be recommended by the Agency.


3.1 STRUCTURING OF THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Following the establishment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in 1999, at the Federal Level, two technical Departments namely Relief and Rehabilitation and Search and Rescue were created alongside two other core service Departments viz. Finance and Administration and Planning, Research and Forecasting.

However, in line with the general practice world wide to enhance better performance and effective coordination of search and rescue activities, the Search and Rescue Department is headed by serving military personnel with the rank not lower than a colonel or its equivalent on second ment from the Armed Forces.
All States and Local Governments shall by this policy structure their various disaster management Agencies the same way and manner the Federal Government has done subject to necessary modification.

3.2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COLLABORATIVE NETWORK.
The Federal Government is aware and recognizes the fact that disaster management is multidisciplinary and that successful response of activities can only be possible through an integrated and co-ordinated approach. The disaster management responsibilities therefore involve the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders.
The frequencies, complexity, scope and severity of destruction by the disasters have become more serious thus necessitating concerted efforts towards prevention of their occurrence and institution of appropriate remedial measures on their adverse impact on the communities. This policy initiative reflects the Government (s) commitment towards formulating a coherent strategy in addressing disaster issues in a more proactive manner with a focus on reduction of risk to communities and their vulnerabilities.

The National Emergency Management Agency (on behalf of the Federal Government) is therefore charged with the responsibility of coordinating the plans and programmes for efficient and effective response to disasters at the national level. This is indicative of the fact that the Federal Government’s concept of disaster management is based on an integrated and coordinated approach.

3.2.1. The foregoing concept necessitated the setting up of a National Council on Disaster Management (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”). The Council shall meet not less than twice a year under the Chairmanship of the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or his representative. Other members of the Council shall comprise the following:
i. The head of each State Government’s Disaster Management Agency or his representative and
ii. Such other stakeholders as may be determined from time to time.

3.2.2. There shall also be set up at the State level, a State Council on Disaster Management (hereinafter referred to as “the State Council”). The State Council shall meet not less than thrice a year under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Governor of the State or his representative. Other members of the State Council shall comprise the following:
i. Head of the State’s Disaster Management Agency;
ii. Head of each Local Government’s Disaster Management Agency or its representative, and
iii. Such other stakeholders as may be determined from time to time.

The establishment of the Councils shall foster periodic interaction on disaster management Issues among the members and will o a long way to ensure that the Federal, State and Local Governments and the Communities fully identify themselves with issues bordering on disaster management in the country and that they share in the responsibility to facilitate the reduction of disaster to the barest minimum.

3.3 OPERATIONAL MODALITIES
The NEMA was established to function as Federal Government’s Unit that responds to disasters that overwhelm capabilities and resources of the States and Local Governments. It shall therefore ord1n complement States and Local Governments effort.
Therefore, the modalities for intervention or involving the Federal Government by the other two tiers of Government follows:
RESPONSE PROCESS:
3.3.1. (a) When a disaster occurs and overwhelms the capability and resources of a Local Government, the Local Government. Shall call on the State Government for assistance.. The State Government shall send its team to inspect and assess the magnitude of the disaster. The report of the assessment team will indicate whether or not the disaster shall be declared by the State Government as “State Disaster”. If it is declared a State Disaster, the State shall immediately set necessary machinery in motion to provide assistance to the Local Government.

3.3.2. (b) Where the above stated disaster in any Local Government overwhelms the capabilities and resources of a State. The Government of the State shall formally call on the Federal Government through her relevant Agency I.e. NEMA will dispatch its team to inspect and assess the magnitude of the disaster. The report of the assessment team will indicate whether or not the disaster shall be declared by the Federal Government as a “National Disaster”. If it is declared a National disaster, the Federal Government shall intervene immediately for effective management of the disaster.

3.3.3. (c) When disaster occurs within a state and the disaster affects solely Federal Government’s property, or institutions in the state such institution shall make available facilities with which such form of disaster could be combated.

3.3.4. (e) When disaster occurs on a Lagoon, Ocean, rivers or inland waterways, the Navy, Air Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Ports Authority, National Maritime Authority, Inland Water Ways, Volunteers and trained personnel’s on management of disaster shall manage the disaster in accordance with their expected roles under the National Disaster Response Plan. These organizations under reference shall possess rescue equipment such as boats, am balances etc to combat the disaster.

4.1 VOLUNTEERS
Each tier of Government shall register reasonable number of people including Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Boys Scouts, Girl’s Guard, Boys’ Brigade, Cab or Bus Drivers and other interested players in disaster management as Volunteers who shall assist in combating disasters when ever they occur.
The Volunteers may also be Involved in the distribution of relief materials so as to ensure that the materials get to the victims of disaster. To this end, all tiers of Government must therefore maintain a register of Volunteers. The Volunteers shall be trained on tips relating to disaster management for not less than once in a month.

5.1 FUNDING
The Federal, Slates and Local Governments shall ensure that they fund their Disaster Management Agencies for the purpose of providing effective and efficient disaster management from:
a. Funds allocated to them from the Federation Account;
b. 20 percent of their shares from the Ecological .fund, and
c. Such money as may from time to time be granted or received from:
i. The organized private sector,
ii. The international ordonor organizations, and non Governmental organizations, and
d. Such money as may be received from the National, State or Local Governments Emergency Trust Fund.

The three tiers of Government shall ensure that funds allocated from the federation account, ecological fund and other sources are applied judiciously to the management of disaster.

5.1.1. Government at all levels hereby undertake to regularly fund their respective Agencies on Disaster Management and going by this policy the Federal, States, and Local Governments shall have statutory budget line for emergency management and shall continue to find innovative ways of sourcing funds to supplement their allocations

6.1 ENFORCEMENT
It is by this Policy agreed that any State or Local Government that neglects, fails or refuses to establish by law its disaster management Agencies or neglects, fails or refuses to manage disaster in accordance with the provisions of this Policy shall not benefit n any form whatsoever from the disaster management activities of the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency.

Necessary legal action must be taken against diversion of funds or relief materials meant for management of disaster or cushioning of the effect of disaster on victims.


7.1 CONCLUSION
The Policy ensures that States, Local Governments, Communities and other Stakeholders play their expected roles in managing disasters that are within their level of competence and resources availability. The roles of the Federal, States, Local Governments, Non Government Organizations and other stakeholders in d been property spelt out in this Policy. The foregoing provision in the policy will ensure that the States, Local Governments and other stakeholders fully identify themselves with the integrated and coordinated response to disaster management.

7.1 .1. The Policy also approved the establishment of National and States Councils on Disaster Management at Federal and in each State of the Federation. The forum will coordinate participatory interactive process in promoting public awareness and commitment to disaster risk reduction, including the dissemination of scientific knowledge and information on causes and management disaster.

7 1 2 The policy covers all activities relating to disaster management in Nigeria has shown that -
a. Disaster management must have a multi-agency approach, and
b. It needs to be government led and coordinated while it must incorporate development partners and other stakeholders ranging from International and local Non Governmental organization and civil society organizations.

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