FG Warns States, LGs Against Heavy Flooding, Cholera

The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned flood endemic states and local governments to brace up for increased flooding as the peak of the rainy seasons approaches.
The warning came as Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, sent a bill to establish Rivers State Emergency Management Bill 2024 to the House of Assembly for consideration.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, also called for steps to be taken to protect people in risk areas against the outbreak of cholera.
The minister, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday, said 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases have already been recorded as of Wednesday since the outbreak of cholera was reported in the country about a month ago.
Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja and the commercial capital, Lagos have recorded serious flooding as the rains increased this year.
The minister said, “We are calling on states and local government councils to intensify and step up efforts to avert flood related disasters in their domains as we approach the peak of the flooding season.
“At the national level, some states have started experiencing some level of flooding and its associated disaster as of April this year. So far, more than three states such as FCT have experienced high levels of flooding, with several casualties recorded, including displacement of people and loss of properties.”
But he said there has not been release of water from any dam in Nigeria or from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, which had caused previous flooding in the country.
Utsev said states had been alerted following recent reports highlighted in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook as unveiled by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
He urged states that were listed in the NIHSA report to take precautionary measures before the floods come. The states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Edo, Kogi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa, Ondo, Rivers, Delta, FCT, Taraba, Benue, Lagos, Kaduna, Bauchi, Bayelsa and others.
“Over 10 states and the FCT have already experienced varying levels of flooding since April, resulting in casualties and property damage.
Utsev noted the need for states and local government areas to intensify flood prevention measures, such as clearing blocked drainage systems, relocating residents from flood-prone areas and constructing flood barriers.
The minister said the floods could worsen the cholera outbreak in the country, a presidential committee has been constituted to address cholera and other waterborne diseases linked to flooding.