NEMA CONDUCTS FLOOD RESPONSE SIMULATION EXERCISE IN ANAMBRA, ADVOCATES EARLY ACTION TO AVERT DISASTER
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the weekend conducted a full-scale flood response simulation exercise in Ogbaru, Anambra State, as part of its proactive efforts to enhance national preparedness and response capacity.
The exercise, held on Saturday along the banks of the River Niger, was led by the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who emphasized the urgent need for early action and coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of flooding in Nigeria.
Speaking at the commencement of the live simulation, Mrs. Zubaida Umar noted that flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters in the country, with far-reaching impacts on lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and entire communities.
“The recent flood disaster witnessed in Mokwa, Niger State, is a stark reminder of our vulnerability. 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,” she said.
She explained that the exercise aimed to further step down flood awareness to grassroots communities, particularly in flood-prone areas like Ogbaru. It also sought to bring together key local stakeholders to define their roles and rehearse coordinated response mechanisms in the event of a real disaster.
“Our ability to anticipate, respond to, and recover from disasters depends largely on how well we train and work together before they occur,” the DG NEMA stated. “This simulation is a proactive and strategic step in the right direction.”
She encouraged all participants to approach the exercise with professionalism and a learning mindset, stressing the need to identify weaknesses and propose viable solutions to improve the national flood response system.
Also speaking, the Director of Search and Rescue NEMA, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, disclosed that the simulation was preceded by a series of capacity-building sessions and technical engagements with stakeholders and community members. These sessions were aimed at raising awareness of flood risks and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of responders at all levels.
The exercise, code named “EX IDE MMILI ODACH” was designed specifically for the South-East zone, where the 2025 flood outlook indicates that Anambra, Imo, and Abia States are at high probable risk of being impacted.
The simulation took place at the Nigerian Naval Unit camp along the River Niger and featured participation from various national and local agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
Also in attendance were representatives of Anambra and Ebonyi SEMAs, Ogbaru Local Government officials, members of the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), youth associations, local boat operators, community leaders, and volunteers.
The Executive Secretary of Anambra SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo, who represented the State Governor, commended NEMA for its proactive approach. He assured the state government’s readiness to partner NEMA towards ensuring effective flood disaster management in the state.
The successful conduct of Exercise “EX IDE MMILI ODACH” marks another significant step in NEMA’s nationwide campaign to strengthen flood preparedness and ensure a timely, coordinated response to emergencies across Nigeria.
Signed:
Manzo Ezekiel
Head, NEMA Press Unit
23rd June, 2025
