ActionAid Nigeria has called on the Nigerian government to take urgent steps to address the looming threat of flooding in 148 Local Government Areas across the country.
The call followed the recent announcement by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) concerning the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), particularly in the communities residing in the 148 LGAs expected to be most affected.
In a statement on Thursday, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu noted that the potential impact of flooding on the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians cannot be overstated.
“As we face the looming threat of high flood risk, the Federal and State governments, and all relevant agencies must promptly take action to mitigate the potential devastating effects,” Mamedu said.
While applauding the federal government for the early warning this year, ActionAid Nigeria urged all three tiers of government to make good use of the Ecological Fund at the disposal of the government for better preparedness for anticipated flood.
“The federal government must not allow floods to set us back year after year. With proper measures in place, we can significantly mitigate the impact of floods and prevent recurring crisis.
“Failure to act not only exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable communities but also risks further entrenching poverty amidst the already high cost of living in Nigeria.
“The current flood situation in Nigeria demands urgent plans and solutions, including prioritising investment in robust flood prevention infrastructure such as adequate drainage systems, levees, and relevant dams.
“Long-term solutions require proper and comprehensive urban planning and land-use management policies to prevent unchecked development in flood-prone areas.
“This involves enforcing zoning regulations, relocating vulnerable communities to safer areas, and preserving natural floodplains to absorb excess water during heavy rainfall,” Mamedu noted.
The organisation demanded that both the federal and state governments must prioritise disaster preparedness and allocate resources urgently.
Mamedu also added that such includes establishing identified locations where Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) can live temporarily.
He further emphasized on the need that such centres locations must not be schools or health care centres.
The ActionAid Nigeria boss said government should also be providing the people with dignity kits, food supplies, non-food items, and cash assistance.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Education and Health must promptly develop and implement comprehensive plans to ensure continued access to education and healthcare services, especially for women and children.
Mamedu also charged state governments to implement measures to protect smallholder women farmers who may be adversely affected by flooding.
He called on the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) to collaborate with the National Orientation Agency to ensure that messages reach communities at the grassroots level.
In conclusion Mamedu said “The federal government cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending crisis while pledging the organisation’s readiness to support and collaborate with government agencies, humanitarian organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians