NEMA Conducts Full-Scale Flood Simulation Exercise to Boost Nigeria's Disaster Preparedness

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified Nigeria's flood preparedness efforts by conducting a full-scale flood simulation exercise (SIMEX) in Calabar, Cross River State, aimed at harnessing emergency response coordination, testing operational readiness, and improving disaster management ahead of the peak of the 2026 rainy season.

Key Takeaways

  • NEMA conducted a full-scale flood simulation exercise in Calabar, Cross River State.
  • The exercise formed part of the 2026 National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NDPRC).
  • Emergency responders tested search and rescue, evacuation, medical response, and humanitarian coordination.
  • Cross River State reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration on disaster risk reduction.
  • NEMA says disaster preparedness remains central to effective emergency management.


The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has carried out a comprehensive flood simulation exercise in Calabar, Cross River State, bringing together emergency response agencies, security organisations, humanitarian partners, volunteers and community leaders to evaluate Nigeria's readiness for potential flood emergencies. The exercise formed the practical highlight of the 2026 National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NDPRC) following two days of stakeholder engagements, advocacy sessions and preparedness activities aimed at strengthening disaster risk governance and community resilience.

Representing Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, reaffirmed the Cross River State Government's commitment to deepening collaboration with NEMA and other emergency stakeholders to improve disaster preparedness, protect vulnerable communities and enhance coordinated emergency response. Representing NEMA Director-General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Director of Internal Audit, Aliyu Waziri, described disaster preparedness as the foundation of effective emergency management. He explained that the simulation exercise was designed to assess emergency response plans, strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve the operational capacity of responders during flood emergencies.

The exercise featured coordinated search and rescue operations, evacuation drills, emergency medical response, incident management and humanitarian coordination, allowing participating agencies to validate operational procedures under realistic disaster conditions. Closing the exercise, the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore B. A. Usman, commended participating agencies for their professionalism and stressed that regular simulation exercises remain critical for identifying operational gaps and improving national disaster response capabilities. Participating organisations included the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CRSEMA), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), military and paramilitary agencies, fire and rescue services, health responders, humanitarian organisations, volunteers and community representatives.

Key Quotes

According to Aliyu Waziri, representing NEMA Director-General Mrs. Zubaida Umar, disaster preparedness remains "the cornerstone of effective emergency management," noting that the exercise was designed to strengthen emergency response coordination and operational capacity.

According to Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, representing Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Cross River State remains committed to supporting NEMA and strengthening collaboration to improve disaster risk reduction and emergency response.

According to Air Commodore B. A. Usman, Director of Search and Rescue, regular simulation exercises are essential for identifying operational gaps and strengthening Nigeria's disaster response mechanisms.


NEMA's annual National Disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NDPRC) focuses on strengthening disaster risk governance through preparedness, public awareness, inter-agency collaboration and capacity building. Flood simulation exercises form a key component of the programme, helping emergency responders test operational plans before peak flooding periods.


Flooding remains one of Nigeria's most frequent and destructive natural disasters, affecting lives, livelihoods and infrastructure annually. Simulation exercises help emergency agencies identify weaknesses before disasters occur, improving coordination and reducing response time during real emergencies.

Communities in flood-pronehe areas may benefit from faster, more coordinated emergency response if flood incidents occur during the rainy season. The exercise also demonstrates increased collaboration among federal, state and local emergency agencies in protecting lives and property.


Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), through the Directorate of Public Affairs, 30 July 2026.


PROGRESSVIEWS ANALYSIS

Preparedness remains the most effective investment in disaster management. By testing emergency procedures before actual flooding occurs, NEMA and its partners can identify operational weaknesses, improve communication among responders and reduce the impact of future disasters on flood prone communities.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

As climate-related disasters become more frequent, emergency preparedness must move beyond seasonal campaigns into continuous institutional practice. Regular simulation exercises, stronger community participation and sustained investment in early notifications systems will be essential to reducing disaster losses and building resilient communities across Nigeria.

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