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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The National Economic Council (NEC) has declared the widespread flooding across Nigeria as a "major national disaster," urging for a swift and coordinated response to address the crisis impacting millions across the country.
Meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Council reported that devastating floods have affected 34 states, resulting in the deaths of 321 people, displacing over 740,000, and injuring nearly 2,854.
With floodwaters ravaging communities and farmland, the Council highlighted the urgent need for strengthened state and federal response efforts. Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State underscored the crisis's severity, urging state-level emergency agencies to bolster coordination with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver immediate relief and manage the disaster more effectively. "State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) must up their game to address this escalating crisis,” Soludo stated.
The Council outlined key measures to mitigate future risks, calling on the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to carry out a comprehensive review of Nigeria's waterways and dams. This assessment aims to identify structural vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the flooding, paving the way for a long-term resilience plan.
Further recommendations included the implementation of an annual desilting program for waterways, intended to prevent blockages and reduce the likelihood of recurring floods.
Additionally, NEC urged state governments that have yet to submit their flood impact assessments to do so immediately. These reports, according to NEC, are crucial for designing and implementing effective relief programs tailored to each state’s specific needs.
NEC also advocated for the expansion of Nigeria’s flood control infrastructure, specifically calling for increased dam and flood barrier construction along the River Niger and in flood-prone regions, particularly in the South-East and South-South. Recognizing the impact of climate change on extreme weather events, the Council recommended that the Green Climate Fund include a Resilience Infrastructure Fund to support affected communities with sustainable, long-term solutions.
With millions displaced and vast stretches of farmland underwater, NEC’s call for immediate and comprehensive action underscores the gravity of this national crisis. The Council’s recommendations signal a shift toward preventive measures and climate resilience, as the government and states prepare to confront increasingly severe weather patterns in the years ahead.
