Lagdo Dam: FG Constitudes High Level Committee To Proffer Solution To Flooding
By Blessing Bature
Following the opening of the Lagdo dam by the Cameroonian authorities, the Federal government has constituted a high level committee led by the Minister of Hummanitarian affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu to proffer solutions to flooding and its consequences in Nigeria.
The Minister made this known during a press conference held by the committee members immediately after the maiden edition of the stakeholder’s meeting on the Lagdo dam, in Abuja.
Edu said the meeting was at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following her presentation at the Maiden Federal Executive meeting.
She said the Federal government is interested in the prevention, mitigation and proffering solutions to flooding and its consequences, saying some of the measures taken to avert flooding is for State governors and communities to ensure that drainages are cleaned and obstructions to water ways are quickly removed across the country.
According to the Minister, other measures include sensitisation to begin from the Federal, States, Local Government Areas and Communities, adding that everyone is part of the engagement and sensitisation efforts of the federal government.
Deputy Director Information, FMHAPA, Rhoda Ishaku Iliya in a statement said, “Persons in the affected areas of the flood are enjoined to move to high lands for safety and state governors are to stand up to their responsibilities on the evacuation of persons in such areas to protect lives and properties” she said
The Minister stated, the Federal government will be working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, States and Local governments to ensure that humanitarian services are provided as well as foods and non-food items, health and livelihood for recovery, reintegration and resettlement for the affected persons.
The Minister of environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako, said Flood Early Warning System domiciled in his Ministry is on and working and issuing hourly warning alerts of floods not only on river Benue but most parts of the country including River Niger. This he said was aim at warning people and to let them know the level of water in their areas and vulnerability to flood.
He stated that a platform has been created where environment correspondents are added and they can receive hourly alerts directly without waiting on Ministry’s officials.
Also the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the media is a critical stakeholder in advocating the flood.
“The Media is an important partner in the struggle and encouraged them to continue the good work they are doing.
Other members of the committee include Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and Social Welfare, Interior, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, NEMA, NIMET, NIHSA, Fire Service, among others.