National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has sensitised stakeholders to Simulation Exercise
By Ibrahim Bello
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has sensitised stakeholders to Simulation Exercise on Flood Disaster Response (SIMEX).
Alh. Sani Lokoja-Alhaji, the Director, North-West Directorate of NEMA, said at the event on Monday in Birnin Kebbi that the exercise was geared towards achieving the vision of a disaster resilient country.
He said: “at NEMA, our vision is to build a disaster-resilient Nigeria. Exercises like today’s are central to achieving that vision.
“We must remember that preparedness saves lives, reduces losses, and fosters resilience in our communities.
“Flooding, whether from torrential rains, river overflow, or infrastructure failure, has a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities across the North-West and indeed the whole country.
“It disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructure, threatens health, and strains social cohesion.
“Climate variability and change are amplifying these risks, making preparedness and coordinated response not optional but imperative.
“As we are all aware, Kebbi State, like many other parts of Nigeria, is increasingly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of flooding, especially during the peak of the rainy season.”
Lokoja-Alhaji noted that the 2025
climate variability, environmental degradation and human activities along river banks had heightened the risks to lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
The exercise, he said was not just a drill but a vital capacity-building activity, aimed at strengthening stakeholders preparedness, coordination, and response mechanisms at all levels.
“It allows us to practice real-life emergency scenarios in a controlled environment, so that when actual disasters occur, our response will be faster, more efficient and better coordinated,” Lokoja-Alhaji said.
He commended the state government, SEMA and all the partners in disaster risk reduction for their commitment to the initiative.
“The active involvement of first responders, security agencies, health workers, volunteers, community leaders, and the media is a testament to the collaborative approach we require for effective disaster management,” he said.
The director further urged all participants, to approach the exercise with seriousness, pay attention to detail and adopt an open mind to learn and improve.
In his remarks, the state’s
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Empowerment, Alh. Muhammad Hamidu-Jarkuka, commended the organisers for their timely preparedness on disaster response.
“Gov. Nasir Idris is always committed to fulfilling his primary constitution mandate of protecting the lives and property of people in the state,” he said.
The commissioner assured the stakeholders of the state government’s continued commitment to partner with relevant agencies to address flood disaster in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants comprised of representatives from SEMA, flood-prone communities, riverine areas, local divers, and state ministry of humanitarian affairs.
Also in attendance were representatives of Nigerian Army Forces, Nigeria Police Forces, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Federal Fire Service (FFS) among others. (NAN).