The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advanced preparedness and response strategy for mitigating the impact of likely flooding this year.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier in the year issued an advisory, placing over 20 states of the federation at flood risk, including states with coastal and riverine areas in Niger Delta region of the country.
Part of NEMA’s measures for mitigating the impact in Rivers State included a full-scale flood simulation exercise on August 25, 2025, aimed at sensitizing communities on the risk of flooding, and strengthening coordinated response mechanisms in the state.
The exercise, supported by the Rivers State Government, was held in Mbiama, Ahoada West Local Government Area of the state with multi-stakeholder participation to highlight their roles and responsibilities during flood emergencies.
Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, in an address at the event, said that the exercise was a proactive step towards safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and national assets.
She said, “Flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters in Nigeria. Beyond the loss of lives and property, it disrupts oil production and undermines the economy.
“The essence of this simulation exercise is not only to test our plans and protocols but also to identify gaps and strengthen our multi-agency collaboration towards building resilient communities,” she said.
The NEMA DG, who was represented by Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, stressed that preparedness is the strongest defense against disasters.
“Today, we are simulating a crisis scenario to ensure that when it becomes reality, we are better positioned to save lives. Preparedness saves lives.
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“Our ability to anticipate, respond, and recover quickly depends on how well we train and work together before disaster strikes,” she added.
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Vice Admiral (rtd.) and Sole Administrator of Rivers State, commended NEMA’s partnership in organizing the exercise.
Ibas, represented by Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, disclosed that the state government has commenced the process of establishing a State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide a permanent structure for disaster preparedness and response.
The state’s sole administrator urged community members to remain vigilant and responsive to early warning alerts, while calling on traditional rulers, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to act as grassroots messengers of disaster awareness and response mobilization.
Kenneth Oyong, Air Commodore and Director of Search and Rescue, NEMA, who coordinated the simulation, said it was a practical demonstration of the NEMA Director General’s commitment to inclusive flood preparedness and response across the country.
He explained that the exercise, code-named ‘Exercise Iji Gbaje-Ugbo,’ was specifically targeted at the most flood-prone communities across four LGAs of Rivers State, ensuring direct community engagement and practical demonstration of emergency response protocols.
Responding on behalf of the communities, Promise Jacob, Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, expressed appreciation to NEMA and the Rivers State Government for bringing the flood sensitization exercise to their doorsteps, pledging the full cooperation of residents in mitigating the impacts of flooding.
The simulation exercise featured active participation of multiple stakeholders, including the personnel and assets of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force, alongside first responders and local volunteers.
