On Thursday, the National Economic Council (NEC) of Nigeria convened to address pressing issues related to flooding and water management in the country, concluding with a recommendation to include the South-East and South-South regions in the ongoing construction of dams. This meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja, followed a comprehensive briefing by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev. The council discussed the government’s interventions in response to the devastating impact of floods experienced this year across various states, particularly emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive waterway management.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State reported on the alarming assessments made by the Ministry of Water Resources, which identified 148 local government areas across 31 states at high risk of flooding between April and November 2024. This critical analysis indicated the necessity for an immediate integrity review of the country’s waterways and dams to ascertain their structural soundness and efficiency in flood mitigation. The council’s discussions highlighted a significant need for enhanced dredging programs to maintain waterway capacity and ensure effective flood management, alongside urging governors to submit reports addressing flooding situations in their respective states promptly.
In the context of recent flooding, Soludo noted that the NEC recognized regions particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as the South-East and South-South, which have been largely overlooked in current dam construction initiatives. These areas serve as vital geographical points where dams can act as “speed bumps” along the River Niger, regulating water flow and preventing further disaster. The council has advocated for a more inclusive approach in infrastructure development, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by these flood-prone regions.
According to Governor Soludo, the statistics regarding the impact of flooding in Nigeria are staggering, with 34 states affected, resulting in over 1.3 million individuals impacted, 740,743 displaced, and numerous casualties. Furthermore, approximately 250,800 hectares of cultivated farmland have been destroyed or severely affected by the floods. These figures illustrate the scale of the crisis and the urgency for the federal government and state authorities to mobilize resources and implement effective flood management strategies.
The NEC also highlighted the need for a structured and sustainable approach to water management, emphasizing the establishment of an annual desilting program for waterways. Such initiatives aim to reduce future flood risks, ensuring that waterways remain navigable and efficient in controlling water levels during peak rainfall periods. In addition, a sub-committee appointed by the President is currently working to compile an interim report on the situation, which will be presented to an inter-ministerial committee for further action and recommendations.
Overall, the NEC’s meeting underscores the critical need for proactive measures in water resources management and infrastructure resilience in Nigeria. As the government grapples with the ongoing impacts of flooding, it is essential to prioritize investments in dam construction and comprehensive reviews of existing water management systems. By integrating the South-East and South-South regions into these discussions, the council aims to foster a collaborative framework for mitigating flood risks and enabling better disaster response strategies across the nation.
