Wudil, Kano State – July 5, 2025 – In a proactive effort to strengthen Nigeria’s response to seasonal flooding, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted a large-scale flood simulation exercise in Wudil, Kano State, targeting communities at risk and improving coordination among emergency stakeholders.
The exercise, codenamed “Ex-Ceton Rayuka,” was designed to simulate real-time flood scenarios resulting from potential water releases from the Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda Dams. These dams pose significant downstream threats to communities in Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe States.
Leading the operation, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, emphasized that the simulation aimed to test multi-level emergency response protocols, identify operational gaps, and reinforce agency collaboration to ensure a swift, coordinated response in the event of actual flooding.
> “Flooding is one of the most persistent and destructive disasters we face in Nigeria. This exercise is not just about testing systems but about saving lives by ensuring preparedness. We cannot afford to be reactive—we must plan ahead,” said Mrs. Umar.
The simulation exercise also provided a platform to clarify roles among federal, state, and local actors. It built upon a similar drill previously conducted in Anambra State and is part of NEMA’s larger 2025 flood preparedness strategy in line with seasonal predictions and early warning alerts.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf—represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo—applauded NEMA’s initiative, describing the simulation as a critical step towards preventing loss of lives and property. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working closely with NEMA and local agencies to improve emergency response.
The Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, who coordinated the operation, stated that lessons from the simulation would inform future planning and bolster national capacity for disaster management.
The multi-agency exercise was jointly organized by NEMA and the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), with participation from:
Jigawa, Katsina, and Yobe State SEMAs
Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs)
Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force Disaster Response Units
Nigeria Police Force
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Nigerian Red Cross Society
State Ministries of Health and Water Resources
Local divers, community volunteers, and dam managers
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Observers from the Office of the Vice President, the Senate (represented by Senator Mustapha Khabib), the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defense Headquarters, and UN-OCHA also attended the event.
The simulation exercise marked the conclusion of a four-day intensive flood preparedness programme that included stakeholder engagements, advocacy visits, and capacity-building sessions to enhance community resilience and disaster response capabilities nationwide.
