NEMA Adopts Cash Transfer in Relief Response

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

In an effort to reposition relief response and ensure transparency in line with emerging global best practices, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has adopted cash transfer as one of the strategic ways of reaching out to disaster victims.

The Director General of NEMA, Mr. Mustapha Maihaja, disclosed this at a Cash Transfer Preparedness Programme organised for the staff of the agency and the Nigerian Red Cross by the International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Kayode Fagbemi, the DG said: “I have no doubt that this Cash Transfer Preparedness Programme is important considering the complex nature of relief management. This I believe, will surely lead to a paradigm shift in the management of relief operations in Nigeria in order to give dignity to the displaced population, especially in the North-east.”

According to him, “Humanitarian scenario in Nigeria had become complex as a result of different emergencies being witnessed in recent years.”
He solicited the support of ICRC in the development of guidelines for Cash Transfer Programming in the country.

Also speaking at the event, leader of delegation from ICRC, Mr. Eloi Fillion, said the transfer of knowledge to NEMA would ensure sustainability, as ICRC might not be everywhere to provide assistance.

The training covered thematic areas of ascertaining pre-conditions for cash transfer; modalities of cash transfer mechanisms; types of response of options; implementation process and practical scenario.

Cash Transfer Programme is a tool for cash transfer to support population affected by disaster to meet multiple needs in ways that maintain human dignity, provides access to food and shelter and help rebuild or protect livelihoods.