The Federal Government disclosed on Monday that several states along the River Benue’s path may face flooding within the next seven days due to the opening of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
During a press briefing in Abuja, organized by the Presidential Committee established by President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, stated that the newly formed committee would execute a range of policies and rescue operations aimed at minimizing the consequences of the flooding from the Lagdo Dam.
Edu called on the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to take swift action by ensuring the immediate relocation of Nigerians from flood-prone communities to safer areas.
She said, “This coordinating meeting is holding at the instance of President Bola Tinubu, who directed such after I raised the issue of flooding in today’s Federal Executive Council meeting. Mr President directed that all relevant ministries must meet to find a solution to the issue of flooding.
“As earlier stated, the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon was opened recently and we will see the effect in the coming days. Flood has been a major issue in Nigeria and has been causing loss of lives and property. We have been given a task by Mr President to ensure proper preparedness against the effect of the opening of the Lagdo Dam.
“One of the things government in different states must begin to do is to ensure that drainages are cleaned. Blockages must be removed. Also, proper enlightenment and sensitisation of residents must be carried out.
“Residents in affected areas must begin to relocate to safer planes. States must stand up to involuntary relocations. It is inconceivable to witness avoidable loss of lives and property.”
The Minister of Environment, Iziaq Salako, as well as the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, joined the humanitarian minister during the briefing, and promised to intensify efforts against the devastating impact of floods.