NEMA Conducts Major Flood Preparedness Drill in Kano

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has organized a large-scale flood response simulation in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness for natural disasters.

Speaking during the exercise on Saturday, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, highlighted the critical need for proactive measures given Nigeria’s frequent flooding incidents. She pointed to recent forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, which identified Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states as high-risk areas for floods this year.

Umar said the drill aimed to simulate a controlled water release from Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda dams to test the preparedness of emergency teams for possible dam-related flooding along the River Kano.

“This exercise is being held against the backdrop of the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, reminding us of the constant threat of natural disasters,” she said.

According to the NEMA boss, the simulation was designed not just to evaluate existing emergency response plans but also to uncover any gaps and enhance collaboration among various agencies.

“Today, we are simulating a crisis so we can be better prepared to save lives when it becomes a reality. Preparedness saves lives,” she stressed.

Umar described the exercise as a vital step in building Nigeria’s resilience to floods, noting that the ability to respond effectively to disasters depends largely on how well agencies train and coordinate before emergencies occur.