Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has carried out a simulation exercise to strengthen local and regional preparedness for flood disasters.
The exercise, known as SIMEX (Simulation Exercise), took place on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, targeting a broad spectrum of disaster response stakeholders. It aimed to improve coordination, response speed, and disaster risk reduction capacity ahead of the peak flooding season.
Director of NEMA’s North-West Directorate, Alhaji Sani Lokoja-Alhaji, said the initiative was part of efforts to build a disaster-resilient Nigeria in the face of intensifying climate risks.
“Flooding—whether due to heavy rainfall, river overflow or infrastructure failure—poses a significant threat, particularly to vulnerable communities,” he said. “Preparedness saves lives, reduces economic losses, and promotes community resilience.”
He noted that climate variability, environmental degradation, and human activities along riverbanks have increased the risk to lives and critical infrastructure across the region, particularly in Kebbi State.
Lokoja-Alhaji stressed that the simulation was more than just a training exercise, describing it as a “vital capacity-building initiative” that prepares agencies for real-life emergency response.
The event brought together key stakeholders including security agencies, health workers, local divers, media representatives, and community leaders. Agencies represented included the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Federal Fire Service.
Kebbi State’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Empowerment, Alhaji Muhammad Hamidu-Jarkuka, applauded the initiative, stating that Governor Nasir Idris remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“The government will continue to support collaborative disaster preparedness efforts to reduce the impact of flooding on our communities,” he affirmed.
The simulation is part of Nigeria’s broader national strategy to enhance community-based disaster response capabilities amid increasing incidents of extreme weather and flooding.
