The importance of a crisis preparedness plan came to the fore once again on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 following the unfortunate passing of a senior officer of the Nigerian Customs Service. The officer, who was the Deputy Comptroller, Finance Administration and Technical Service, was pronounced dead at the National Assembly Clinic moments after he collapsed during an investigative hearing at the House of Representatives wing of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
According to media reports, the top Customs official at the NASS Complex to attend a hearing of the Public Account Committee of the House of Representatives for revenue-generating agencies and parastatals of government. His death was announced shortly after through a well-crafted and in terms of standards, responsible statement signed by the spokesman for the House, Akin Rotimi.
The topic of death is always a touchpoint, particularly in our part of the world where most people seem unable to accept the issue of mortality and the certainty of death whether we prepare for it or not.
Without dwelling into the semantics of the statement by the House of Representatives, the most important part of it was leaving out the name of the official, which was the right thing to do in such an instance, in paying tribute to the deceased official and making sure his family members get to learn of his sudden passing from the right source: the NCS.
The leadership of the NCS, by all accounts, showed ample care for the late official, especially in the moments leading to his passing. However, it would have been better for NCS to issue an instant statement, however short, moments after, detailing what has happened while withholding personal details of the official. That would ensure references are only made to that statement, thereby helping the organisation to effectively control the narrative. That would also have marked the Customs as an organisation with a crisis preparedness plan which is ready to be activated immediately there is an incidence.
Creating a crisis management template involves outlining a structured approach to handling various types of crises effectively. A crisis preparedness plan is crucial for organisations, irrespective of the size, sector or whether it is a private or government-run entity. This should cover scope, indicators, categories, assessment criteria, response plan, management, among others.
While it should not undermine the necessity of letting experts, in this case, reputation management professionals, handle such crises, here are a number of reasons every organisation needs to have a crisis preparedness plan in place.
Ensures Early Detection/Response
A preparedness plan outlines procedures for identifying potential crises early. This allows organisations to respond promptly and mitigate the impact before it escalates.
Limits Damage
A well-prepared plan includes strategies for containing and managing crises effectively. This can reduce the extent of damage to the organisation’s reputation, operations, and financial stability.
Maintains Stakeholder Trust
Stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the public, rely on organisations to handle crises professionally. A preparedness plan ensures that communication is clear, transparent, and timely, thereby preserving trust during challenging times.
Enhances Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Many industries have specific regulatory requirements regarding crisis management and communication. A preparedness plan helps organisations comply with these regulations and minimise legal risks.
Facilitates Business Continuity
Crises can disrupt operations significantly. A preparedness plan includes continuity measures to ensure that essential functions continue even under adverse conditions, minimising downtime and financial losses.
Reinforces Employee Safety and Well-being.
Organisations have a duty to protect their employees during crises. A preparedness plan outlines protocols for ensuring employee safety, providing support, and maintaining morale during challenging times. A crisis preparedness plan should not just focus on responding to emergencies as they arise; it should emphasise proactively preparing the organisation to navigate uncertainties with resilience and confidence while instilling a sense of security among stakeholders.