Nigerian flood simulation exposes what could happen if agencies fail to coordinate
Iain Hoey
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NEMA conducts live flood simulation in Ogbaru, Nigeria
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that it carried out a live flood response simulation on 21 June 2025 in Ogbaru, Anambra State.
According to NEMA, the exercise was designed to strengthen disaster readiness across the South-East zone ahead of expected high flood risk.
The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, oversaw the activity, which was held along the banks of the River Niger.
NEMA explained that the simulation sought to test emergency plans, highlight existing gaps, and improve coordination between local and national response agencies.
The agency added that the exercise also aimed to increase flood awareness among communities in at-risk areas.
Flooding remains a serious risk in Nigeria
Zubaida Umar said that flooding continues to be one of Nigeria’s most damaging hazards, affecting people, property, and critical infrastructure.
Umar highlighted the 2025 flood incident in Mokwa, Niger State, as evidence of the country’s continued vulnerability.
She said: “The recent flood disaster witnessed in Mokwa, Niger State, is a stark reminder of our vulnerability.”
She continued:
“ The essence of this simulation is not only to test our operational plans and protocols but also to identify existing gaps and reinforce inter-agency collaboration.”
NEMA stated that such simulations are intended to improve response time and ensure better coordination among emergency services.
The agency noted that the exercise had been planned in line with the national flood preparedness strategy.
Grassroots engagement and early action highlighted
NEMA said the simulation was part of efforts to improve awareness and training at the local level.
Zubaida Umar stated: “Our ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from disasters depends largely on how well we train and work together before they occur.”
She added:
“ This simulation is a proactive and strategic step in the right direction.”
She encouraged participating teams to evaluate the drill critically and use it as a learning opportunity.
She said: “All participants must approach the exercise with professionalism and a learning mindset.”
She continued:
“ It is important to identify weaknesses and propose viable solutions to improve the national flood response system.”
Multi-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement
The Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, said the simulation followed capacity-building sessions with local responders.
He explained that these sessions focused on improving understanding of response roles and increasing public awareness of flood risks.
The exercise was code named “EX IDE MMILI ODACH” and focused on Anambra, Imo, and Abia States, which NEMA listed as high-risk areas for the 2025 flood season.
According to NEMA, the simulation involved multiple federal and local agencies, including the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, FRSC, NSCDC, DSS, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigerian Red Cross.
It added that community representatives, youth groups, and local government officials were also present.
State support and feedback on flood readiness
The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was represented by Executive Secretary Chief Paul Odenigbo.
According to NEMA, Odenigbo expressed support for NEMA’s activities and confirmed the state government’s intent to cooperate further on disaster management.
He was reported to have conveyed the state governor’s appreciation and reiterated a shared commitment to preparedness efforts.
NEMA stated that this event was part of a wider campaign to enhance national disaster response systems.
It added that the exercise would be evaluated to identify areas for operational improvement.
NEMA leads Nigeria flood response drill in Anambra: Summary
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) conducted a full-scale flood simulation in Ogbaru, Anambra State on 21 June 2025.
The simulation was part of NEMA’s national preparedness programme for flood-prone areas.
Director General Zubaida Umar led the exercise and stated the need for early action and inter-agency coordination.
Umar referenced recent flooding in Niger State as a reason for the simulation.
The simulation aimed to improve community-level flood awareness and test operational plans.
Director of Search and Rescue Kenneth Oyong said it followed technical sessions with stakeholders.
The simulation was called “EX IDE MMILI ODACH” and focused on the South-East zone.
Participants included federal agencies, state officials, community leaders, and volunteers.
The Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, FRSC, NSCDC, DSS, Fire Service, and Red Cross took part.
Chief Paul Odenigbo represented Anambra State and confirmed continued support.
NEMA reported that the exercise helped test response capacity and strengthen disaster coordination.
