President Bola Tinubu has taken swift action to address the looming threat of flooding in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
This move comes as a response to recent warnings and reports about potential flooding in various regions of Nigeria.
In an announcement made by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice-President, Tinubu has appointed Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi to lead a committee responsible for developing a comprehensive plan to address the flood situation.
This initiative aims to harmonise the National Economic Council (NEC) report on flood and the 2022 National Flood Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, in addition to other national reports on flooding.
The committee will be chaired by Governor Yahaya Bello, while the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, will serve as the vice-chairman.
They are expected to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and submit their recommendations within seven days.
During an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, President Bola Tinubu instructed the committee to create a cohesive action plan based on the reports presented.
Shettima emphasised that while the situation is not as dire as it may seem, being prepared is essential.
The data and insights provided by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and other stakeholders underline the importance of taking preventive measures.
The Vice-President stressed the need for a structured roadmap to address the impending flood crisis, with a focus on collaboration among various agencies, including the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the federal government.
Their combined efforts are expected to mitigate the effects of potential flooding in the respective regions.
Shettima also highlighted the responsibility of the NEDC and NDDC in supporting states within their jurisdiction.
Specifically, the NEDC is tasked with assisting Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa states, while the NDDC will provide support to Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River states.
For states like Ebonyi, Kogi, and Benue, the federal government will mobilise resources from its savings to offer assistance.
