Ogun State Government has intensified preparations against possible flooding as the state braces for an expected 72-hour period of heavy rainfall, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA) conducting a full-scale flood disaster response simulation exercise in Abeokuta.
The exercise, held at the Apo River area of Owu, Abeokuta, brought together emergency management agencies, security organisations, health personnel, fire services, volunteers, community representatives and other stakeholders to test the state’s preparedness and strengthen coordination ahead of possible flood emergencies. NEMA said the simulation was designed to improve communication, interoperability and the efficiency of emergency responders.
Speaking at the exercise, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the exercise was timely given the flood risks identified in the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook. She said the practical exercise would allow stakeholders to test their preparedness, identify gaps in their response systems and determine how quickly affected communities could be reached during an emergency.
The Deputy Governor said the state government had continued to strengthen its partnership with NEMA through training, provision of rescue equipment, ambulances and other emergency-response resources. She stressed, however, that disaster management should not be left to government agencies alone, urging traditional rulers, community leaders, local governments, security agencies, health workers, volunteers and the media to play active roles in disseminating early-warning information.
Salako-Oyedele particularly called on residents to take early-warning information seriously, avoid building on waterways and drainage channels, and desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse. She also urged residents to cooperate with authorities whenever evacuation or other preventive measures become necessary.
Representing the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, the Director of Search and Rescue, Commodore Nature Usman, said flooding remained one of Nigeria’s most recurrent and destructive natural hazards, with serious consequences for lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and communities. He stressed that increasing flood risks made early warning, anticipatory action, preparedness and coordinated emergency response essential.
NEMA said the 2026 flood outlook identified 31 states, including Ogun, as being at high risk of flooding, reinforcing the need for proactive measures. The agency explained that the simulation was intended to test existing emergency plans and procedures, identify operational gaps and strengthen collaboration among agencies before an actual disaster occurs.
The development comes days after the Ogun State Government issued a fresh flood alert ahead of the second phase of the 2026 rainy season. The state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said NiMet’s seasonal prediction indicated that Ogun could experience intense rainfall averaging about 360mm in September. He warned that prolonged rainfall, possible controlled overflow from Oyan Dam and tidal fluctuations could increase the risk of river and coastal flooding in vulnerable areas.
The government had identified several areas requiring heightened vigilance, including Isheri, Arepo, Mawere, Magboro, Akute and Warewa, parts of Abeokuta and several coastal and riverine communities in Ogun Waterside, Ijebu East and Ipokia. Fish farmers operating within floodplains and river corridors were also advised to take precautionary measures to minimise potential losses.
Authorities have therefore urged residents to remain vigilant, monitor official weather and emergency alerts, keep drainage channels free of refuse and avoid activities that could obstruct the free flow of water.
The government said lessons from the simulation exercise would be used to improve preparedness, communication, evacuation procedures, search-and-rescue operations and inter-agency coordination, with the ultimate objective of protecting lives and property should severe flooding occur.