The Federal Government has issued a red alert warning to states and local government areas across Nigeria, urging them to prepare for heightened flooding as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.
During a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the need for precautionary measures to avert potential disasters.
Utsev highlighted that the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, has identified significant flood risks in 148 local government areas spread across 31 states. These include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, and Anambra among others.
The outlook predicts three scenarios, with the period from July to September expected to face the most severe flooding. Already, over 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have witnessed varying degrees of flooding since April, resulting in casualties and property damage, such as the recent incidents in Trademore Estate, FCT.
The minister urged states and local governments to intensify flood prevention efforts, including clearing blocked drainage systems, relocating residents from flood-prone areas, and constructing flood barriers. He also highlighted the potential exacerbation of the cholera outbreak due to increased rainfall, which has already caused significant health impacts.
To address these challenges, Utsev mentioned the formation of a new presidential committee chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, tasked with broader disaster management issues including erosion and desertification. This committee’s report has been approved by the National Economic Council, paving the way for implementation strategies.
In addition to flood mitigation efforts, the Federal Government continues to construct buffer dams and collaborate on international efforts like the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon to reduce flood risks.
Mr. Clement Nze, Director General of NIHSA, emphasized the Federal Government’s advisory role, stressing that enforcement and local action remain under states’ jurisdiction.
The comprehensive measures outlined include the Clean Nigeria Use the Toilet campaign and the activation of national laboratories to bolster public health and sanitation in the face of flooding and associated waterborne diseases.
The states at high risk of flooding according to NIHSA’s report include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
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