The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has carried out a full-scale flood simulation exercise in Dukku, a riverine settlement on the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, identified as one of Nigeria’s high-risk flood zones for the 2025 season.
The exercise, organised in partnership with the Kebbi State Government, tested emergency response plans, enhanced stakeholder coordination, and raised public awareness in preparation for potential disasters. Dukku’s proximity to a major river has heightened concerns over severe flooding, especially during periods of intense rainfall or dam overflow.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who led the exercise, stressed that preparedness and collaboration are vital to reducing disaster impacts.
“Flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, affecting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. We simulate crises today so we can save lives tomorrow. Preparedness saves lives,” she said.
The exercise brought together frontline responders, including the military Disaster Response Units, Nigeria Police, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
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Mrs. Umar noted that the drill would help identify gaps in existing emergency mechanisms and strengthen multi-agency collaboration, particularly in flood-prone communities across the North West and North Central regions.
As part of NEMA’s safety support to Dukku residents, the agency distributed life jackets to improve personal protection in case of flooding.
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