INTRODUCTION
As part of activities marking Day 3 of the ongoing Full Scale Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) on Flood Disaster Response, a tabletop rehearsal was conducted at Dukku, a suburb of Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State.
OPENING REMARKS
The session commenced with brief remarks delivered by Air Commodore AK Oyong, who represented the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He welcomed all participants and emphasized the significance of the tabletop exercise in strengthening disaster preparedness and response frameworks.
He commended the commitment and collaborative spirit of stakeholders, noting that the rehearsal served as a critical platform for enhancing operational readiness, inter-agency coordination, and validating flood emergency response plans.
Air Commodore Oyong encouraged participants to remain focused and proactive throughout the session, stressing that their input would play a vital role in building a more resilient and effective disaster management system nationwide.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES.
1. Clusters
As part of the Day 3 activities, participants were divided into three Clusters representing different levels of disaster response coordination. These clusters were:
1. Local/Community Level.
2. State/Regional Level
3. Federal/National Level.
Each syndicate group was assigned specific roles and responsibilities reflective of their operational mandates. Four scenarios were developed and presented in the form of injects to which the respective groups provided strategic and practical responses based on their designated level of intervention.
2. Rehearsal on Flood Table Top SIMEX
Following the group presentations, a table top simulation exercise was conducted to demonstrate coordinated response actions, particularly focusing on evacuation, triage, and provision of immediate relief to flood victims.
The session helped in highlighting the strengths and potential gaps in coordination mechanisms across the different response levels, further reinforcing the need for preparedness, clarity of roles, and timely communication during actual emergencies.
3. SIMEX Area Setup.
In addition to the ongoing exercises, the SIMEX area setup was carried out collaboratively by staff, volunteers, Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Federal and State Fire Services (FFS/SFS), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and members of the host community. Tents were erected to represent key components of an emergency response setup, including command posts, registration areas, triage points, clinic, and temporary shelters.
This practical setup provided participants with a realistic simulation environment and reinforced the importance of coordination in establishing emergency response infrastructure during actual flood disasters
6th August, 2025
