The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to mitigating the widespread impact of flooding across Nigeria to protect and preserve national infrastructure.
This assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, who was represented by Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mberi, the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office.
He spoke during a strategic meeting involving ministers and heads of agencies responsible for managing flooding and climate-related emergencies.
Akume noted that the current administration is intensifying its efforts to confront the recurring threat of floods and the broader issues of climate change.
He emphasised that the Federal Government is working collaboratively with state and local authorities to develop lasting solutions to the country’s environmental challenges.
He stressed that President Bola Tinubu is firmly committed to executing effective strategies to manage flooding and related concerns such as desertification.
The SGF also highlighted the importance of cooperation among all relevant government bodies to ensure an integrated and sustainable response.
At the meeting, representatives of various ministries and agencies provided updates on their ongoing initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Dr. Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, revealed that 22 communities now have automated flood warning systems, along with local flood response teams to aid early alerts.
Similarly, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), pointed out that the agency utilises geo-spatial technology to monitor the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, a known contributor to flood incidents in Nigeria.
The Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed that NIHSA collaborates closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), sharing data to improve flood and seasonal forecasting.
He added that the agency has developed risk communication strategies to engage grassroots communities.
Also speaking, Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of NIMET, said the agency is actively providing critical weather data to help mitigate flood risks.
He noted that NIMET delivers daily forecasts, seasonal predictions, flash flood alerts, and quarterly bulletins on drought and flooding trends.
In addition, Dr. Onimode Bandele, representing the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, emphasised NEMA’s readiness to supply emergency relief materials to communities affected by flooding.
The meeting concluded with a decision to form a committee that will regularly report on the progress and actions of the participating agencies directly to the President.