NEMA conducts simulation exercise on flood disaster response in Kebbi
NEMA conducts simulation exercise on flood disaster response in Kebbi
The National Email Management Agency (NEMA), has conducted Simulation Exercise on Flood Disaster Response (SIMEX) as part of proactive measure against flood disaster in Kebbi.
Hajiya Zubaida Umar, the Director- General of NEMA said at the closing of the exercise on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi that the exercise was geared towards achieving the vision of a disaster resilient country.
She said: “It is my honor and privilege to be in your midst on this very important capacity-building programme, preparatory to the flood disaster response simulation exercise in Dukku town, a suburb of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi.
“This exercise organised in collaboration with the Kebbi Government is a critical component of our collective preparedness efforts, aimed at enhancing coordination, communication and efficiency among all stakeholders in disaster management in Nigeria.
“This is so, essentially, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States have been identified as flood-prone states in the North-West and North-Central Regions in the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Annual Flood Outlook by Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
“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.”
Umar noted that the recent flood disaster witnessed at Mokwa in Niger, attested to that fact, saying that the essence of the simulation was to expose any gaps and strengthen their 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. Our ability to anticipate, respond and recover quickly from disasters depends largely on how well we train and work together before disaster strikes.
“This simulation exercise is, therefore, a proactive step in the right direction. As we go through this exercise, I urge all participants to approach it with professionalism and a learning mindset.
“This will enable us identify areas for improvement and ensure that the lessons learnt would better equip us for future plans and responses,” the D-G said.
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In his remarks, Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Empowerment, Alhaji Muhammad Hamidu-Jarkuka, commended the organisers for their timely preparedness on disaster response.
“The present admission in the state is always committed to fulfilling its primary and constitutional mandate of protecting the lives and property of people in the state.
“Let me state that the present leadership proactive approach to disaster response is a testimony to our concern for the people and humanity,” he said.
The governor commended the D-G for her remarkable efforts in disaster response and management.
He assured NEMA of the state government’s continued commitment to partnering with relevant agencies to address flood disasters in the state.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the exercise was conducted by the representatives from SEMA, flood-prone communities, riverine areas, local divers, and state ministry of humanitarian affairs.
Also in the exercise were; representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Forces, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Federal Fire Service (FFS) among others.
