In a proactive step to mitigate the impact of flooding across prone areas in Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted a full-scale flood response simulation exercise in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria.
The exercise, which was conducted in collaboration with the Kano State Government, was held in Wudil Local Government Area of the state. It aimed to enhance coordination, communication, and efficiency among all stakeholders in disaster management in Nigeria.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said during the simulation exercise that the ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover quickly from disasters depends largely on how well stakeholders train and work together before disaster strikes.
“As we all know, flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters in Nigeria with far-reaching impacts on lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and communities. The recent flood disaster witnessed at Mokwa in Niger State attests to this fact.
“The essence of this simulation is not only to test our plans and protocols, but also to expose any gaps and strengthen our multi-agency collaboration.
“Today, we are simulating a crisis so that we are better prepared to save lives when it becomes a reality, let me reiterate that preparedness saves lives”.
Mrs. Zubaida further noted that the simulation exercise, as a critical component of the Agency’s collective preparedness efforts, will enable stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the lessons learned better equip them for future planning and responses.
“This simulation exercise is, therefore, a step in the right direction,” she added.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Umar, therefore urged state governments to join the effort to tackle disasters before they occur.
The State Governor, Abba Kabir, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Nasir Gwarzo, said the event is not just a mere formality but a reflection of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and resilience of the people in the face of environmental and climate-induced challenges.
While the Governor reiterated that the simulation exercise is crucial and timely in testing response mechanisms and assessing readiness, he said it would also strengthen coordination among emergency responders.
According to him, the next step is to improve infrastructure for state emergency responders, community leaders, health personnel, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders.
He noted that the increasing frequency of floods in the state is a sign of the urgency and severity of the situation, which demands active planning and collaboration among all stakeholders.
“And the State government, under the leadership of the Governor, will do whatever it takes to collaborate and support you. All the measures that are needed from our side will be put in place.
“We are ready to do whatever it takes to make sure that as much as possible we prevent the happening of disasters or at least, mitigate and reduce to the barest minimum, the level of destruction that may likely come with the expected floods”. He explained
He, however, disclosed that the State Government had already taken steps to mitigate flood risk in the state.
“By continuous desilting and clearing of drainages across the state, upgrading and construction of new drainages across the state, embarking on sensitization and early warning campaigns, strengthening the capacity of local emergency response teams.
“Collaborating with federal and international agencies on disaster management, and making contingency arrangements for the relief and temporary shelters”.
The Governor commended NEMA for its dedication to disaster risk reduction while informing the gathering that the responsibility does not lie with government alone.
“I call on all citizens, especially those living in the flood-prone areas, to heed early warning. Co-operate with authorities to take personal precautions to stay safe”. He added.
Earlier, NEMA had conducted a full scale flood response simulation exercise in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, being one of the States identified as flood-prone and would be replicated in each geopolitical zone across the nation.
Jigawa, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States have also been identified as flood-prone States in the North West region, in the 2025 Seasonal Climate prediction by NIMET and the Annual Flood Outlook by NIHSA.