The Federal Government has raised the alarm over possible severe flooding starting from the end of this month, warning that 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are likely to be adversely affected.
The government also cautioned that prolonged flooding incidents might escalate the ongoing cholera outbreaks in several states.
Addressing reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, highlighted that Nigeria has been experiencing flash and urban floods since May due to high-intensity and prolonged rainfall, coupled with poor and blocked drainage systems in many urban areas.
“From the end of July, the country may start experiencing river flooding, which could be more devastating,” Utsev stated. He identified the states at high risk: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, and Taraba, as well as the FCT.
On Wednesday, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 63 cholera deaths and 2,102 suspected cases. Since April 10, some states and the FCT have experienced flooding, resulting in casualties and significant property damage.
Utsev urged continuous monitoring and proactive measures, noting that Nigeria's location at the lowest portion of the River Niger Basin means the country should prepare for flooding incidents once the upper catchment of the basin gets flooded.
Regarding the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, Utsev mentioned that the operators are currently filling the dam for hydropower generation, with the flow situation at Wuroboki being relatively normal. He assured that there was no immediate cause for alarm.
To mitigate the annual flooding from the Lagdo Dam, the minister said arrangements were nearly complete to build buffer dams along the water channel. The designs of these dams are finished, and the government is nearing the implementation stage.
A presidential committee has been established to tackle any potential outbreak and address broader disaster management issues, including erosion and desertification.
This committee, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has submitted its report, which the National Economic Council has approved, with implementation strategies set to commence shortly.
The minister urged state and local governments and other stakeholders to take measures to prevent the recurring flooding menace of past years.
Clement Nze, Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), noted that the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook, released in April, predicted that 148 local government areas across 31 states are at high risk of flooding this year.
The federal government has dispatched this outlook to state governments and held meetings with state representatives on the issue.
The acting Director-General of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Florence Wenegieme, said the FCT Administration has been conducting enlightenment campaigns on the need to clear drainage systems and avoid dumping refuse in waterways.
States Implement Flood Prevention Measures
Kebbi State
The Kebbi State government has launched a massive public enlightenment campaign against flooding, warning communities around riverbanks to relocate to higher ground. The State Emergency Management Agency has prepared shelter facilities and warehouses to store food and non-food items for immediate response.
Kaduna State
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency has embarked on public sensitization and enlightenment to prevent flooding, educating residents on the need to avoid blocking drainage channels with refuse.
Taraba State
The Taraba State Commissioner for Environment, Aishatu Barde, announced that an enlightenment campaign in flood-prone areas would commence soon. The government aims to encourage residents near riversides to relocate voluntarily.
Nasarawa State
The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency has begun sensitization campaigns across the state’s 13 local government areas. Temporary settlements are being set up for displaced persons in flood-prone areas.
Kogi State
The Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, stated that the ministry has cleared major waterways to prevent flooding. The State Emergency Management Agency is collaborating with other organizations for data sharing to enhance quick decision-making during flooding.
Ogun State
The Ogun State government has initiated a hydraulic infrastructure upgrade, including opening up drainage channels and waste management, to mitigate flooding. The state is also disseminating information to residents on expected flooding and preventive measures.
Bayelsa State
The Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control has identified higher grounds for flood shelters and is improving desilting work for better water flow into rivers and creeks. The directorate is collaborating with relevant state and federal agencies.
Cross River State
The Cross River State government has implemented measures to mitigate potential flooding dangers and planned palliative care for affected residents.
Anambra State
The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency is raising awareness among residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations.
The Federal Government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all Nigerians to take necessary precautions and adhere to guidelines to minimize the impact of the impending floods and associated health risks.
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