A highly anticipated white paper elucidating the findings of the Presidential Flood Prevention Committee, as presented to the Presidency by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, is poised to be disclosed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In tandem with the predictions of flooding by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nasarawa State government has proactively announced plans to relocate communities residing in flood-prone zones to elevated terrain.
Additionally, the state will embark on the demolition of structures erected in waterways to mitigate potential loss of life and property.
At a press briefing in Abuja last Friday, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, hinted at the imminent release of the White Paper, addressing inquiries posed by journalists.
The report was initially submitted to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari’s stewardship, signifying a concerted effort to tackle flood-related challenges across the nation.
“The president is scrutinizing the reports, and we anticipate the release of the White Paper shortly,” stated the minister.
During a joint press conference featuring Utsev and Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the ministers provided counsel to residents along riverine areas to migrate to elevated ground in light of the projected flooding.
“An escalation in the water volume along the River Benue system has led to a flow level of 8.97 meters, in comparison to 8.80 meters on the same date last year,” the ministers revealed.
They further disclosed that inland dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, reported a consistent flow pattern.
Elucidating the course of action, Utsev advised, “States and local councils should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist and remove illegal structures constructed within the floodplains.”
Addressing the proactive measures taken by the Nasarawa State government, Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, affirmed that comprehensive steps were being undertaken to prevent loss of life due to flooding this year.
Abubakar Mohammed, the Chief Environment Officer and Chief Prosecutor of the ministry, emphasized that sensitization campaigns have been launched in communities likely to be affected by flooding.
The decision to dismantle structures obstructing waterways was prompted by NiMet’s recent forecast of potential flooding in 25 states, including Nasarawa State.
Abubakar emphasized, “By obstructing the natural flow of waterways, disaster is invited, as water will inevitably seek its course.”
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