By Joke Kujenya
THE Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun and other state authorities have raised alarms concerning the imminent threat of floods across multiple regions, issuing warnings and outlining proactive measures to mitigate potential damages.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, revealed that the FG had communicated with 31 governors regarding anticipated flooding in their respective states from April to November this year.
The disclosure was made in Abuja during the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook briefing, Utsev emphasized the critical nature of the situation.
According to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agencyighli, 148 local government areas in 31 states, including Lagos, Kano, Delta, Ogun and others, have been flagged as high-risk flood zones.
Consequently, state governments have commenced preparations to avert disaster, with plans to demolish structures alone river channels, relocate residents, and clear drainages.
Utsev detailed the flood outlook, highlighting 72 local government areas at high risk between April and June, 135 LGAs from July to September, and 44 LGAs in October and November.
Urban centres like Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna are expected to face flash and urban floods, while coastal states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, and Lagos brace for coastal flooding due to rising sea levels.
In preparation for the looming threat, the FG has dispatched detailed reports to governors, urging swift action to mitigate potential damages.
The National Economic Council Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu, aims to enhance Nigeria’s flood resilience.
States, on their parts, have already begun taking measures to protect their citizens.
Ogun State has started ramping up efforts, just as Edo State, to mitigate flood risks through infrastructure development and waste management.
In collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Ogun State has issued flood alerts and advised residents in wetland areas to relocated before the rainy season peaks.
Commissioner Ola Oresanya outlined plans for drainage construction, desilting, and erosion control areas across the state to minimize flood impacts.
The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has emphasized the holistic approach to flood control, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of initiatives like the Oyan Dam.
Engr. Olufemi Odumosu stressed the potential for collaboration between OORBDA and the Ogun State government to harness tourism opportunities and enhance revenue generation.
Similarly, the Lagos State government through the Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, has outlined steps to address potential flooding, including sensitization and relocation plans for residents along flood-prone areas.
As the country braces up for the forthcoming rainy season, the governments, collectively, notifies that they are putting in place, coordinated efforts between the federal, states and local authorities, along with community engagement for proactive measures, which they consider to be crucial in safeguarding lives and property from the looming threat of floods, across the country.
