By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances to key operational offices across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response ahead of the 2025 flood season.
The deployment, announced on Tuesday, follows an internal assessment that revealed equipment gaps in some NEMA field offices.
Director-General of the Agency, Zubaida Umar, said the move is aimed at enhancing disaster response at the sub-national level and improving the agency’s life-saving capabilities during climate-related emergencies.
“This is a strategic step to boost the operational capacity of our zonal and operations offices,” Umar said.
“With rising threats from climate-induced disasters, particularly flooding, our teams must be prepared for immediate and effective medical interventions.”
The MICU ambulances, now stationed in Kaduna, Owerri, and Uyo, are equipped with essential emergency tools such as oxygen systems, patient monitors, suction kits, and other life-support equipment.
They are designed to stabilize patients during transportation to healthcare facilities, increasing survival chances during emergencies.
NEMA said the locations were selected based on vulnerability assessments and logistics needs.
The deployment is part of a broader strategy that includes infrastructure upgrades, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement to strengthen national disaster preparedness.
In addition to deploying the ambulances, NEMA is also conducting flood simulation drills, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder coordination meetings as part of its wider disaster risk reduction program.
