NEMA - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Mon, 2025

Flood: NEMA conducts simulation exercise in Kano

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By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a move to bolster Nigeria’s disaster preparedness, conducted a “Full-Scale Flood Response Simulation” exercise in Wudil Local Government Areas, Kano State.

The Agency’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, during the simulation exercise on Saturday, emphasised the critical importance of readiness in the face of Nigeria’s recurring flood disasters.

According to her, recent predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have identified Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara as high-risk flood zones for 2025.

“The urgency of the exercise with downstream impact in Kano, Jigawa, Yobe States was underscored by the devastating flood that recently struck Mokwa in Niger State, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters.

“The exercise is to simulate a forced water release from Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda Dams to test emergency preparedness for potential dam-induced flooding along River Kano,”

Umar explained that the simulation was designed not only to test existing emergency plans and protocols but also to identify gaps and enhance coordination among all stakeholders.

“Today, we are simulating a crisis so that we are better prepared to save lives when it becomes a reality. Preparedness saves lives.

“The simulation marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to build resilience against the ever-present threat of flooding.

“Our ability to anticipate, respond, and recover quickly from disasters depends largely on how well we train and work together before disaster strikes.”

She encouraged all participants to approach the exercise with professionalism and learning mindset, stressing that the lessons learned would be invaluable for future disaster response efforts.

Umar expressing her gratitude to all involved for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding lives and communities.

Gov. Abba Yusuf reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety, well-being, and resilience of Kano’s citizens in the face of environmental and climate-induced challenges.

“It is important to underline the emphasis being made by the D-G NEMA, that disasters occur, and if, God forbid, a disaster happens here in Wudil, we are expecting the people locally here to start responding aggressively to any eventuality in an informed and coordinated manner,” he said.

He noted that the increasing frequency and severity of floods, particularly from Bagauda, Chalawa and Tiga Dams, underscores the urgency for active planning and collaboration.

According to him, while these dams overflow due to heavy rainfall, the consequences can be devastating to loss of lives, destruction of farmland and homes, displacement of communities and the destruction of livelihoods.

The governor outlined ongoing government initiatives, including the desilting and clearing of drainages, upgrading infrastructure, early warning campaigns, and strengthening local emergency response teams.

Yusuf said the responsibility does not rest with the government alone, called on all citizens, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to heed early warnings, cooperate with authorities, and take personal precautions to stay safe.

He commended the efforts of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and all partner organisations for their dedication to disaster risk reduction.

On his part, Sen. Mustapha Khabib, representing Jigawa Southwest, in an interview with newsmen, expressed confidence in the local communities’ disaster preparedness.

He described the exercise as “very impressive and well organised, noting the cooperation and support of the local population.

Khabib. a member of Senate Committee on Special Duties oversight NEMA saying, “With this simulation exercise and the ongoing sensitisation efforts regarding flood risks, I am confident that these local communities are well mobilised and adequately trained on how best to provide rescue and aid services.”

The senator noted that prior to the drill, he had concerns about the level of readiness but was reassured by the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed throughout the exercise.

“This exercise has really stimulated my interest and infused confidence in me. It is very pleasing to see how engaged people are, especially those living alongside the riverbanks.

“We are going back confident that if a flood occurs, we are not just praying it won’t happen, but we are prepared to respond effectively,” he said.

Khabib expressed hope that the lessons learned from the exercise would be applied not only in Jigawa Southwest but also in other vulnerable communities across the region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the simulation exercise included practical demonstrations of rescue operations, aid distribution, and community mobilisation strategies.

It aimed to enhance the resilience of flood-prone communities and ensure swift, coordinated responses in the event of an actual disaster.

The successful drill marks a major step forward in disaster management efforts in Jigawa State, reinforcing the importance of community involvement and government collaboration in safeguarding lives and property from natural calamities. (NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Sadiya Hamza

NEMA sensitises Niger residents on fuel, fire accident

Ismail Abdulaziz
Jun, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

NEMA sensitises Niger residents on fuel, fire accident

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By Rita Iliya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a sensitisation campaign to educate residents in Niger about the dangers of fuel and fire accidents.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said this during the launching of the sensitisation campaign in Lambata, Gurara Local Government.

Umar, represented by Dr Zainab Ndanusa, Head, Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, NEMA Minna Operations Office, said the campaign was to raise awareness on the risk associated with fuel tanker accidents.

Umar said NEMA strongly believed that preparedness and prevention were more effective than response and recovery.

“To address this, the agency is proactively sensitising transport sector stakeholders to collectively mitigate risks.

“The campaign is a life saving initiative borne out of our growing concern over the alarming frequency of fuel tanker accidents in our communities and highways,” she said.

The DG added that fuel tanker accident had resulted in the loss of countless innocent lives and devastating fire accident had also left behind untold sorrow.

She said such accidents had also claimed the lives of men, women and youths, many of whom were breadwinners and promising members of the society.

She appealed to tanker drivers and petroleum transport companies to prioritise safety, avoid reckless driving, excessive speed, poor vehicle maintenance and negligence, which were major contributors to deadly crashes.

Umar said one mistake could cost many lives and destroy property worth millions of Naira.

She urged the public to desist from going near fallen tanker or attempt to scope fuel.

Also speaking, Abdulsalam Zumba, Director, Risk Reduction, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), advised motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to drive safely.

Ibrahim Mohammed, Chief of Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Petroleum Tanker Drivers, NUPENG, said the association had always advised its members to avoid speeding and rest well before embarking on a journey.(NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Joe Idika

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Thu, 2025

General News

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger, had engaged stakeholders on preparedness and mitigation strategies towards alleviating the impact of anticipated floods in the state.

Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on National disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2025 in Minna on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the engagement is: “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response”.

Umar, represented by Dr Ishaya Chonoko, Zonal Director in Charge of North West Zone of NEMA, said that the engagement was to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, and response to flood disasters across the country.

She said NEMA had received insights into rainfall patterns and flood scenarios for 2025 from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“NEMA will deploy teams to all states to engage with flood-prone communities, taking early warning messages to the grassroots.

“This will be done with the support of state Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers,” she said.

The director-general called on partners such as the traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups and the media, to support the initiative, saying disaster management was everyone’s business.

According to her, all hands must be on deck to take the right early warning to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in various communities.

“There is a need to step up our games on what we can do differently from the past and come up with solutions and prepare for quick response.” she added.

Also speaking, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, Overseeing Director-General, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said the meeting would proffer solutions to flooding, preparedness, and response from expected flooding to save lives and property and minimise flooding.

Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Yumu, Commissioner, Ministry for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, said the campaign would help reduce impacts of annually recurring floods in the state.

NAN reports that in attendance were Mr Hussaini Isah, Head, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Akapo Adeboye, traditional leaders and stakeholders from the police, army amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

2025 Flood: NEMA urges disaster risk reduction, proper waste disposal in Niger

Ismail Abdulaziz
Mar, Wed, 2025

Environment

2025 Flood: NEMA urges disaster risk reduction, proper waste disposal in Niger

529 total views today

By Rita Iliya
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger has embarked on a sensitisation campaign to educate the communities on disaster risk reduction and proper waste disposal.

Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, which covers Niger and Kwara states, led the campaign to Anguwan Daji community in Minna on Wednesday

He said the agency collaborated with NYSC-NEMA Emergency Management Vanguard (EMV), to organise the sensitisation alongside NISEPA, NSEMA, and Ajnu Venture.

“We are here today to sensitise the local community in Minna, particularly Anguwan Daji, on the issue of disaster risk reduction and poor waste disposal,” he said.

Isah said the campaign was a response to the 2025 flood prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency’s annual flood outlook.

He emphasised the importance of mitigation and preparedness, stating that when it happens, there must be response, and response must be prompt and effective.

He disclosed that the sensitisation campaign would continue in Minna metropolis and Kwara state.

Isah noted that poor waste disposal was a major challenge globally, and Nigeria is no exception.

“Most of our cities and towns are littered with sachets, water bottles, tyres, and broken bottles.

“These can clog our environment and existing drainages, causing water to accumulate and leading to trouble,” he said.

Isah called on the Niger state government to establish recycling plants to effectively collect and dispose of solid waste.

Ahmed Abubakar, President of NEMA EMV, said the initiative was part of the group’s community development service, aimed at identifying and addressing pressing needs in the communities they serve.

“We recognised that this community has been dumping refuse indiscriminately, which is hazardous to their health and can cause flooding.

“We decided to come and enlighten them on the dangers of disposing refuse indiscriminately, especially since they have a lot of children who may not be aware of the risks,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Nasir Tanko, Community Head of Anguwan Daji, called for the provision of alternative waste disposal site to deter indiscriminate dumping on waterways.

He suggested that after evacuation, the authorities should utilise the media to sensitise the public about the provision of a new dumping site and the consequences of dumping refuse in the drainage.

Zuwaira Hassan, resident of Anguwan Daji, recalled that the community previously had a vehicle for house-to-house waste collection and waste containers, but these services are no longer available.

She appealed to the state government to take urgent action to address the issue as continuous dumping of refuse in the drainage posed as risk to their lives. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NEMA advocates collaboration on emergency management

Ismail Abdulaziz
Nov, Tue, 2024

Defence/Security

NEMA advocates collaboration on emergency management

584 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for greater commitment and effective collaboration on emergency management to enhance disaster response capabilities in the country.

The Director-General of the agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said this on Monday in Abuja at a training workshop aimed at encouraging partners in crisis to organise better emergency responses during sudden and complex emergencies.

The training organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in coordination with NEMA had the title, ‘Mass Casualty and Public Health Emergency Management Component’.

She acknowledged the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, saying that both natural and human-induced disasters resulted in significant human and economic losses.

She added that the training aims to identify gaps in current emergency response systems and equip participants with tools that will aid them in addressing gaps during emergencies.

Umar highlighted the importance of proactive preparation, inter-agency collaboration, and the role of technology in improving disaster management.

“Disasters, whether natural or human-induced, often result in loss of lives, human displacement, and long-term physical and emotional trauma to family units and communities.

“They place a heavy financial burden on government at all levels, often stretching the already limited resources, public health emergencies which frequently follow these catastrophic events further complicate the situation,” she said.

She quoted a renowned philosopher, Steve Cyrus, as saying, “When disaster strikes the time to prepare has passed.

“This statement underscores the fundamental truth that proactive preparation is the cornerstone of effective crisis management.

“This training is, therefore, timely and apt. It comes at a moment when our collective ability to respond to disasters and restore normalcy is put to test in various disaster hotspots across Nigeria,” she said.

The National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, said that the training marked a significant step towards enhancing crisis management capabilities in the country.

Ribadu, who was represented by Maj.- Gen. Adamu Laka, commended the foresight of the organisers and emphasised the training’s alignment with national security objectives.

He highlighted the importance of topics such as trauma management and crisis doctrines, saying they are crucial in today’s security landscape.

“The training promises hands-on exercises, ensuring participants can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios,” he said.

Mr Lawrence Devlin, Head of Counter Terrorism Netlink for West Africa, said that as experts from the Joint Counterterrorism Training and Advisory Team prepared to guide participants through practical scenarios, added that the UK is committed to Nigeria’s security through shared experiences and strategic partnerships.

Devlin, who also represented the British High Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative effort to combat terrorism and address gender-based violence during the 16 days of activism.

“I understand that today is the start of a series of practical scenarios being held this week as part of the Rapid Response exercise.

“As the UK, we are here to observe, to listen, and to share our experiences from similar exercises and real events in the UK.

“By observing the training this week, we’re seeking to build our understanding of how your agencies work together to keep the Nigerian population safe.

“Our engagement this week is part of our commitment to partner with Nigeria. On his recent visit to Nigeria, our foreign secretary was delighted to sign a strategic partnership between our two nations.

“A partnership which recognises the deep historical ties, strong people-to-people links, and our shared interests across regional and international peace and security,” he said.

On counter-terrorism, Devlin said that we’ve committed to supporting Nigeria in crisis management, aviation and maritime security, and others.

“Today is part of our commitment to crisis management.

“Crucially, it offers us a chance to learn from you and to share our lessons and experiences with you.

“We’ve supported similar exercises elsewhere in the region, notably Ghana, and our team of experts will draw on their experience this week to guide you in your efforts.

On her part, Ms Patience Omokri, the Head of Medical Intelligence at the Office of the National Security Adviser, said that the event, part of the Exercise Rapid Response scheduled for November 28, 2020, aims to bolster preparedness for crisis scenarios.

She added that the training seeks to equip attendees with essential skills to manage emergencies effectively.

She encouraged participants to engage actively and collaborate for a comprehensive learning experience. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)