Expect more flooding, FG warns states, LGs

• Published On: 04 July 2024 at 19:02

The federal government has urged states and local governments to prepare for higher floods as the country enters the rainy season.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, issued the warning during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

He stated that precautionary measures should be done to avoid potential tragedies resulting from such situations.

According to Utsev, states have been warned following recent reports mentioned in the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency's 2024 Annual Flood Outlook.


He said state governors had been given detailed forecasts and precautionary actions tailored to their territories.

According to him, there are major flood hazards in 148 local government areas spanning 31 states, including Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, and Anambra.

The prognosis, divided into three scenarios, predicted increased flood risk from April to November, with the most severe floods occurring between July and September.


"Over ten states and the FCT have already experienced varied amounts of floods since April, causing casualties and property damage.

"Notable incidents include the flooding in Trademore Estate, FCT, which led to two deaths and significant property loss," he told journalists.

Utsev emphasised the need for states and local governments to step up flood control efforts, including as clearing clogged drainage systems, transferring inhabitants from flood-prone locations, and building flood barriers.

He predicted floods from key rivers such as Niger and Benue, encouraging ongoing monitoring and preventative actions.

The minister stated that more rainfall could intensify the current cholera outbreak, which has resulted in 63 deaths and 2,102 probable cases.

He stated that a presidential committee had been formed to fight cholera and other watery diseases related to flooding.

Utsev stated that a revised 2023 flood study resulted in the development of a new committee, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to address larger catastrophe management issues like as erosion and desertification.


He stated that the team had produced a report that had been accepted by the National Economic Council, with implementation plans expected to begin soon.

He noted that the Clean Nigeria Use the Toilet campaign and the activation of national laboratories were part of a larger effort to improve public health and sanitation.

Mr Clement Nze, Director General of NIHSA, emphasised the Federal Government's consultative role, stressing that enforcement and local action were under state control.

He stated that the Federal Government would continue its efforts to build buffer dams, such as the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, to reduce flood risks.

According to the National Insurance Highway Safety Administration's 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, 148 local government areas in 31 states are at high risk of flooding.

Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi are among the states affected.

Others include Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.