The House of Representatives has issued a call to the Federal Government and state governments to proactively address the threat of destructive floods in the country.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, presented a motion to raise awareness about the imminent flood disaster as Nigeria enters the rainy season.
In his motion, Gbajabiamila emphasized the urgent need for action against flooding, highlighting the potential devastation that could occur if immediate measures are not taken to mitigate or prevent its consequences.
The motion, titled ‘Need to Commence Active Measures to Mitigate the Probable Devastation of a Severe Flood Season and Prepare Palliative Intervention to Prevent the Worst Socio-Economic Consequences for Nigerians in the Affected Areas,’ was unanimously adopted by the House.
As a result, the House has resolved to invite the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant government agencies to brief the House of Representatives on the measures in place to mitigate flood disasters and manage the socio-economic impact on citizens residing in flood-prone areas.
Additionally, the House aims to collaborate with these agencies to relocate individuals from the most flood-prone areas and ensure sufficient stockpiles of temporary shelter materials, food and nutrition items, and medicine to support those affected.
Furthermore, the House has resolved to encourage effective communication between the Federal Government and state governments, fostering collaboration to prevent severe outcomes in flood-prone areas.
Gbajabiamila emphasized that a significant portion of the country is susceptible to annual destructive flooding incidents, which have increased in severity and devastation in recent years.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s seasonal climate prediction indicated an early onset of rain and heavy rainfall throughout the season, further emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
Gbajabiamila highlighted that the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency identified 178 Local Government Areas in 32 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, as highly probable flood risk areas.
He also noted the impact of the 2022 flood, which affected millions of Nigerians, causing displacement, loss of life, and significant damage to property and farmland.
By implementing comprehensive plans and promoting collaboration between the federal and state governments, Gbajabiamila stressed the potential to mitigate the loss of life and socio-economic hardships caused by recurring flooding events.
He called for active measures to prevent the worst consequences of a severe flood season and prepare palliative and intervention measures to protect Nigerians in affected areas.
The motion received timely support from other members of the House, who acknowledged the devastating effects of floods in previous years and emphasized the need for government transparency and public awareness.
One member highlighted the existence of a committee report on flood mitigation submitted to the previous government and requested a copy of the report for review.
Following Gbajabiamila’s resignation as Speaker and presentation of his letter of resignation to the House, the new Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, read it aloud.
Gbajabiamila then bid farewell to the House, receiving cheers and a standing ovation from fellow lawmakers.
Throughout his 20-year career in the House, he served as Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Speaker before assuming the position of Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.