By Nkechi Eze
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Saturday, July 5, 2025, conducted a full-scale flood simulation exercise in Wudil, Kano State, as part of its renewed efforts to enhance national preparedness and response mechanisms ahead of anticipated flooding across Nigeria. Code-named “Ex-Ceton Rayuka,” the exercise was specifically designed to test inter-agency coordination, strengthen community awareness, and improve response strategies for the 2025 flood forecast, with particular focus on Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe States.
The simulation took place along the riverside in Wudil, a flood-prone area that could be significantly affected by potential water releases from the Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda Dams. The scenario envisioned downstream impacts across several Local Government Areas, prompting the need for clear coordination among emergency actors and communities.
Leading the operation was the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who emphasized that the simulation was an integral part of the agency’s proactive disaster risk management framework. According to her, the objective was not only to test existing plans and protocols but to identify operational gaps and strengthen collaboration among federal, state, and local stakeholders.
“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 entire communities. The recent flood incident in Mokwa, Niger State, is a stark reminder of this threat,” Mrs. Umar said.
“The essence of this simulation is not only to test our plans and protocols but also to identify gaps and strengthen our multi-agency collaboration. Today, we simulate a crisis so that we can be better prepared to save lives when the real situation occurs. Let me reiterate: preparedness saves lives.”
She noted that the Kano exercise follows a similar simulation earlier conducted in Anambra State, in line with NEMA’s strategy of transitioning from reactive to proactive emergency response. She praised the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency committees for their active participation and cooperation, reiterating that such collaboration is key to effective disaster response.
Representing the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, commended NEMA for initiating the simulation. He reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to partnering with the agency to enhance disaster preparedness across the state. “Proactive steps like this simulation are critical to mitigating the impacts of flooding,” he said.
Also speaking during the event was the Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, who coordinated the exercise. He explained that the exercise allowed stakeholders to identify and document key lessons and operational gaps which would inform more effective flood response plans moving forward.
The simulation was conducted in collaboration with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency and brought together a wide range of stakeholders. These included the heads of SEMAs from Jigawa and Katsina States, and a representative from the Yobe State SEMA. Participating agencies included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police, Fire Service, dam managers, the Disaster Response Units of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, State Ministries of Health and Water Resources, local divers, community volunteers, and members of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs).
Observers from the Office of the Vice President, Nigerian Senate (represented by Senator Mustapha Khabib), the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defense Headquarters, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) were also present.
The simulation exercise marked the climax of a four-day flood preparedness initiative by NEMA in Kano, which included advocacy visits, capacity-building workshops, and strategic engagements with stakeholders aimed at improving community resilience and readiness ahead of the flood season.
With the successful conclusion of “Ex-Ceton Rayuka,” NEMA has reaffirmed its commitment to early warning, coordinated action, and multi-level preparedness to reduce the humanitarian and economic toll of flood disasters across the country.
