President Bola Tinubu has issued immediate directives to formulate a comprehensive plan to counter the looming threat of flooding nationwide.
This announcement was made by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, in a statement in Abuja.
In accordance with the President’s instructions, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has been appointed as the Chairman of a committee tasked with developing a roadmap to harmonize various reports, including the recent National Economic Council (NEC) report on the flood, the 2022 National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, and other national assessments related to flooding.
Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, will serve as the Vice Chairman of the committee. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within seven days.
Here’s an excerpt of the statement:
Nkwocha further revealed that during an emergency meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President emphasized the need for swift action on all available reports.
Shettima, highlighting the importance of proactive measures over-reactive responses, noted that while the situation, as reported by the Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is not dire, it is essential to be well-prepared.
Shettima emphasized the importance of a coordinated roadmap that involves the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Government. This roadmap aims to address the flood crisis in Nigeria effectively.
The Vice President will engage with the Chief Executives of NEDC and NDDC to allocate responsibilities in line with the states under their coverage.
What the VP said about proactive measures:
States like Ebonyi, Kogi, and Benue will receive assistance from government savings to prepare for potential flood events.
The sharing of responsibilities underscores the immediate need for implementing the roadmap.
The committee includes key officials and experts from agencies like NiMet, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), National Water Resources Institute, NEMA, and NiHSA, as well as Governors from several affected states and representatives of others.
Rukaiya El-Rufai, the Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, will serve as the committee’s Secretary.
