A multi-agency flood simulation exercise has been held in Lagos as part of the Italian Government-funded Flood Resilience Project, designed to strengthen preparedness and response capacity in flood-prone communities.
The exercise, which took place in Agboyi-Ketu, brought together the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Fire Service, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Ministry of Water Resources, and the Office of Drainage Services, among others.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State branch chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mrs. Adebola Kolawole, described the exercise as a landmark opportunity for Lagos to benefit from international support aimed at tackling recurrent flooding.
“We are grateful that Lagos is one of the 12 states chosen under this project. This community has learned a lot about flood preparedness, how to raise alarms, assist victims, and mobilize first responders. Trained volunteers will now transfer this knowledge to households, ensuring better resilience when real disasters strike,” she said.
Mrs. Kolawole also acknowledged the role of the Italian Government, IFRC, and other partners, noting that the exercise would ultimately save lives, particularly those of vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Representing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Ibitayo Adenike, Assistant Director, Search and Rescue, explained that the choice of Agboyi-Ketu community for the simulation was informed by the area’s history of devastating floods.
“We have repeatedly intervened here and carried out sensitisation campaigns on waste management and environmental care. The objective of this simulation is to build a stronger, more coordinated response system, not only for floods but for other emergencies as well. This exercise helps us identify our gaps and improve on them so that response can be timely and effective,” Adenike said.
Also speaking, Lieutenant S. Agan of the Nigerian Navy highlighted the role of the force in supporting search and rescue operations during disasters.
“Our teams are always ready to respond with divers, equipment, and armed escorts for cordon and search operations. What today has shown is that coordinated preparedness allows us to move swiftly when the call comes,” he said.
Stakeholders at the exercise expressed optimism that with continued collaboration and training, flood-prone communities across Lagos will be better equipped to respond to emergencies, safeguarding lives and property.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo