The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday resolved that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should send relief materials to affected flood victims in Ogun State and other parts of the country.
During plenary, the Senate noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) had weeks back predicted that expected rainfall this year will be more than what was experienced in 2022, entailing that 178 local government areas in 32 states of the country, including the capital, Abuja, are high probable risk areas.
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Due to the tidal lock of the Ogun River, by Lagos Lagoon from a natural rise in sea level, Lagos, Ogun and Kwara states would witness coastal flooding.
In a motion co-sponsored by Sen. Gbenga Daniel representing Ogun East and Sen. Umar Sadiq Suleiman representing Kwara North, states that many communities in these areas will experience the first flash of floods, as heavy rainfall will be seen between July and November, 2023.
Reacting, Senator Isah Jibril said the issue of flooding has become an annual reoccurrence in the country, suggesting both short and long term measures to curtail the tide.
Concerning the long term plans, the Senator representing Kogi East, said there should be creation of dams to absorb overflowing waters. Also, while calling for dredging of rivers, no matter what it may cost, he said residents must be relocated from flood prone areas to safer locations.
Senator Monguno Mohammed representing Borno North, while explaining that it is the primary responsibility of the government to ensure the welfare of the masses are met, he suggested preventive measures than corrective.
Senator Kalu Nwokocha from Abia State advised for an on the spot assessment of flood affected areas in the country. With this, he said there would be proper investigation, collation of information through oversight and proffer solutions that will be included in the country’s budget for implementation.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio concluded that while being hopeful that Committees like Environment will created, it would pave the way for more findings and observations concerning the problem of flooding. “It will lead to more solutions”, he said.