The National Economic Council (NEC) has directed the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation to conduct a full integrity review of Nigeria’s waterways and dams to address the recurring issue of flooding in the country.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State shared this information on Thursday while speaking to reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following the NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Governor Soludo explained that the goal of the review is to lessen the severe impact of floods.
He highlighted that Joseph Utsev, the minister of water resources and sanitation, provided NEC with updates on the federal government’s ongoing intervention efforts nationwide.
Based on the minister’s briefing, NEC resolved that the ministry should assess the integrity of all waterways and dams across the country.
Governor Soludo added, “There was a strong emphasis on the need for a comprehensive dredging programme for the waterways.”
Additionally, the council urged governors who have not yet submitted their reports on flooding and flood management in their states to do so promptly.
NEC also recommended that the Green Climate Fund incorporate infrastructure resilience measures.
Governor Soludo pointed out that key areas, especially in the South-East and South-South, have been heavily impacted by floods but are not included in the current dam construction programs.
He noted that new infrastructure would act as barriers along major highways, particularly near the River Niger.
The council also reviewed the national emergency response and coordination between states and the federal government regarding damage assessments and outlined further steps to improve response efforts.
According to recent data, approximately 34 states have been affected by floods, covering 217 local governments. Around 1,374,557 people have been impacted, with 740,743 displaced, 321 fatalities, 2,845 injuries, and over 250,800 acres of farmland destroyed.
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