In response to the looming flood crisis across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has formed a committee with the aim of mitigating its impact. The president has appointed Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State as the Chairman of the committee, while the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, will serve as the Vice Chairman. This initiative is part of a proactive approach to handle potential flood-related challenges.
The primary objective of this committee is to develop a comprehensive roadmap by harmonizing various national reports on floods, including the recent National Economic Council (NEC) report on the flood and the 2022 National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The committee is expected to deliver its recommendations within seven days.
At an emergency meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of being proactive in addressing the impending flood crisis. Shettima conveyed the president’s directives and noted that while the flood situation may not be as dire as feared, it is crucial to prepare and respond effectively.
Shettima explained, “Though the situation is not as bad as we might think, we need to set up a committee so that the report of the Presidential Committee and the 2022 Federal Executive Council-approved broad preparedness plan should be harmonized and implemented immediately.”
To facilitate the efficient handling of flood-related matters, the committee will allocate responsibilities to the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Government. These agencies will contribute resources and support to states within their coverage areas.
Governors and their representatives from states prone to flooding, including Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Nasarawa, shared their insights during the meeting. The cooperation of these states is essential in developing a practical roadmap to address potential flood emergencies.
The committee’s membership includes key figures such as the Minister of Interior, Minister of State for Environment, Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Chief Executives of agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), National Water Resources Institute, and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, will serve as the committee’s secretary.
This proactive step demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing flood-related challenges and minimizing their impact on the nation. The establishment of the committee is expected to foster a coordinated and effective response to the impending flood crisis.
