NEMA leads flood readiness simulations in Nigeria to reduce disaster risks
Iain Hoey
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Flood training exercises target high-risk Nigerian states
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated simulation drills across flood-prone regions of Nigeria to improve early response and evacuation capabilities.
According to NEMA, the preparedness drive is intended to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding, which continues to affect large parts of the country.
The simulation events brought together emergency responders, military personnel, dam operators, and community volunteers to practice coordinated evacuation and rescue missions.
These activities were held in areas including Anambra and Kano states, where recent floods have caused severe damage.
The agency said its efforts aim to shift focus from reactive responses to pre-emptive planning involving multiple stakeholders.
Simulation exercise held in Anambra State
NEMA carried out a large-scale drill in Anambra State named Exercise IDE MMILI ODACH.
According to the agency, the exercise was designed to prepare residents in communities such as Ogbaru for recurring floods caused by the River Niger.
Participants included police, soldiers, emergency medical teams, and volunteers.
Evacuation strategies, boat-based rescues, and emergency treatment were practiced in advance of the rainy season.
Chika Okoye, a local youth leader, said: “We always see them after a flood happens, but now they are preparing us in advance. It gives us some hope.”
Kano State hosts dam-related flood drill
NEMA also conducted a simulation called Ex-Ceton Rayuka in Wudil, Kano State.
The agency stated that the exercise focused on communities downstream from the Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda dams, where water releases can lead to rapid flooding.
Local youth groups, divers, and government representatives participated in testing coordinated response actions.
Aisha Lawan, a school teacher from Wudil, said: “We used to just pray when the dams overflowed. But this time, we practiced what to do. Now we know where to go and who to call.”
According to NEMA, the drill emphasised the importance of role clarity, communication efficiency, and resident participation.
Agency leadership highlights urgency
NEMA Director General Hajiya Zubaida Umar personally led the Anambra exercise and cited recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as evidence of the need for preparedness.
Hajiya Zubaida Umar said: “Preparedness is no longer optional. It is essential. What we do now determines how many lives we save when the floods come.”
NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, added: “Preparedness is a continuous process. It’s better to find our weaknesses during a drill than during a disaster.”
NEMA said it is working to reinforce preparedness through repeated drills, awareness campaigns, and community engagement.
Forecasts warn of widespread flood risks
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have projected that at least 31 states could experience flooding in 2025.
According to the forecasts, contributing factors include blocked drainage systems, deforestation, unauthorised construction, and changing climate patterns.
NEMA stated that without adequate planning, there could be high levels of displacement, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life.
The agency said flood mitigation will require enforcement of building regulations, clearing of water channels, and stronger communication of warnings.
Despite challenges such as gaps in early warning systems and delayed local action, NEMA said its drills are helping to embed response capacity within communities.
NEMA leads flood readiness simulations in Nigeria to reduce disaster risks: Summary
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated simulation drills across Nigeria to strengthen flood preparedness.
Drills have taken place in states including Anambra and Kano.
The simulation in Anambra was named Exercise IDE MMILI ODACH.
The Kano drill, focused on dam-induced floods, was named Ex-Ceton Rayuka.
NEMA’s Director General, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, led the Anambra exercise.
Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong said it is better to test plans before disasters occur.
Forecasts from NiMet and NIHSA warn of flooding in at least 31 states in 2025.
Contributing factors include climate change, deforestation, and poor drainage.
Participants in the drills included responders, community groups, and local leaders.
NEMA said these exercises aim to build proactive flood response systems.