Abuja: The House of Representatives is set to summon the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to appear before the House. This summons is to seek explanations on the precautionary measures being implemented to protect lives and properties in areas predicted to experience flooding across Nigeria.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the House also called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and state governments to activate evacuation protocols for communities along flood plains. It emphasized the need to ensure that affected populations have access to temporary shelters, medical services, and other forms of support. Additionally, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Water Resources to assess drainage systems and waterways in flood-prone areas to mitigate worsening conditions.
The lawmakers further directed the Federal Government, through relevant ministries and agencies, to collabor
ate with state governments. This collaboration aims to enhance disaster preparedness capabilities and ensure the quick deployment of rescue teams, relief materials, and medical assistance where needed.
The resolutions were made following the adoption of a motion titled ‘Urgent Need for Precautionary Measures to Mitigate Predicted Flood Risks in 22 States and the FCT’, moved by Mr. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan during a plenary session. The House noted that the Federal Government has predicted five days of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), based on a report from the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment, published by The Punch Nigeria on October 14, 2024.
The motion highlighted that the most at-risk locations include communities along the flood plains of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, in states such as Osun, Delta, Cross River, Anambra, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kebbi. The predicted rainfall and potential floodin
g from October 14th to 18th, 2024, pose threats to life and property.
The House expressed concern that the predicted weather conditions could have devastating impacts on vulnerable communities, leading to displacement, property loss, infrastructure destruction, and potential loss of lives if adequate precautions are not taken. The motion also raised concerns about the sufficiency of proactive measures like timely evacuations and support systems for affected communities, highlighting the risk of severe humanitarian consequences without urgent action.
The motion acknowledged that flooding is a recurring issue in Nigeria, often worsened by inadequate drainage systems, lack of preparedness, and insufficient coordination among responsible agencies. It stressed the importance of implementing strategies to mitigate the predicted disaster, including evacuation plans, provision of relief materials, and coordinated post-flood recovery efforts.
Upon adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Environment
, jointly with the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, and Water Resources, to ensure ongoing monitoring and post-flood rehabilitation efforts. This aims to ensure that affected communities receive long-term support in rebuilding infrastructure and livelihoods.