Starrays
BY Moses Duke(NASS Abuja)
The Federal House of representatives have charged all critical stake holders saddled with the constitutional mandate of preventing flooding in the country should be proactive in carrying out preventive measures that will avoid any future flood disaster in Nigeria instead of allowing the disaster to occur before embark marking on fire brigade approach, when the damage has already been done to the nation.
The House dropped this hint through the Chairman of its Committee on Nigeria Hydrological Development Agency / Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission (NIHSA/HYPPADEC), Hon. Paschal Agbodike Ph.D, representing Ihaila Federal constituency of Abia state; during an interactive session with critical stakeholders in environmental sector at National Assembly, Abuja on 10th July, 2025, following the a motion moved by Hon. Joshua
Audu Gana. r representing Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal constituency of Niger State.Hon Agbodike expressed concern over the killings occasioned by the flood and urge the agencies and ministries to adopt preventive actions, which have resulted in the loss of lives
Hon. Agbodike PhD, explained the devastating impact of recent floods in Mokwa, which led to significant loss of life and property amounting to millions of naira, therefore advocated for proactive measures and effective solutions to address flooding and disaster management nationwide.
The discussions focused specifically on the Mokwa, Kainji, and Jebba Dams, as well as areas like Ihiala and Ogbaru in Anambra State. The vibrant Chairman pointed out that flooding has become a persistent issue in Nigeria, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure. In his words,
“Our meeting today aims to explore effective measures to mitigate flood risks and enhance preparedness, thereby improving our disaster response systems,” Hon. Agbodike stated. The able Chairman further He urged relevant agencies to create public awareness, engage communities, and improve forecasting and early warning signs to the communities for preventive measures .
He also emphasized the importance of infrastructural maintenance and adopting sustainable measures to address climate change in the country.
The Committee through its Chairman sou to find out which agency has the responsibility of directing the release of water from the dams with NIHSA was claimed to have superior knowledge and data based about our water ways, including dams space, lakes, table water both nationally and internally, which the Committee ruled that no agency rather than the one that has the manda te to direct for the release of Water.
Hon. Gana, who introduced the motion, expressed his deep concern for the significant loss and suffering experienced by his constituents due to flooding. He urged for the need for solutions to this crisis.
Environmental experts, including the Director General and Chief Executive Officer from the relevant ministry, provided valuable insights during the session. They noted that the recent flooding in Mokwa was primarily caused by poorly designed railway lines, which hinder proper drainage. Other contributing factors included highway flooding, inadequate culvert systems, and accumulation of debris on highways.
Chairman of Mokwa, Hon. Jubrin Abdullahi Muregi, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and its resolutions. He emphasized that the recommended preventive measures are crucial and expressed hope that such flooding incidents could be avoided in the future. be proactive in carrying out preventive measures that will avoid any future flood disaster in Nigeria instead of allowing the disaster to occur before embarkmarking on fire brigade approach, when the damage has already been done to the nation.
The House dropped this hint through the Chairman of itsCommittee on Hydrological Services (HYPPADEC), Hon. Paschal AgbodikePh.D, representing Ihaila Federal constituency of Abia state; during an interactive session with critical stakeholders in environmental sector at National Assembly, Abuja on 10th July, 2025,following the a motion moved by Hon. Joshua
Audu Gana representing Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal constituency of Niger State.Hon Agbodike expressed concern over the killings occasionedby the flood and urge the agencies and ministries to adopt preventive actions, which have resulted in the loss of lives
Hon. Agbodike PhD, explained the devastating impact of recent floods in Mokwa, which led to significant loss of life and property amounting to millions of naira, therefore advocated for proactive measures and effective solutions to address flooding and disaster management nationwide.
The discussions focused specifically on the Mokwa, Kainji, and Jebba Dams, as well as areas like Ihiala and Ogbaru in Anambra State. The vibrant Chairman pointed out that flooding has become a persistent issue in Nigeria, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure. In his words,
“Our meeting today aims to explore effective measures to mitigate flood risks and enhance preparedness, thereby improving our disaster response systems,” Hon. Agbodike stated. The able Chairman further He urged relevant agencies to create public awareness, engage communities, and improve forecasting and early warning signs to the communities for preventive measures .
He also emphasized the importance of infrastructural maintenance and adopting sustainable measures to address climate change in the country.
The Committee through its Chairman sou to find out which agency has the responsibility of directing the release of water from the dams with NIHSA was claimed to have superior knowledge and data based about our water ways, including dams space, lakes, table water both nationally and internationally, which the Committee ruled that no agency rather than the one that has the mand direct for the release of Water.
Hon. Gana, who introduced the motion, expressed his deep concern for the significant loss and suffering experienced by his constituents due to flooding. He urged for the need for solutions to this crisis
Environmental experts, including the Director General and Chief Executive Officers from the relevant ministry, provided valuable insights during the session. They noted that the recent flooding in Mokwa was primarily caused by poorly designed railway lines, which hinder proper drainage. Other contributing factors included highway flooding, inadequate culvert systems, and accumulation of debris on highways.
Chairman of Mokwa, Hon. Jubrin Abdullahi Muregi, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and its resolutions. He emphasized that the recommended preventive measures are crucial and expressed hope that such flooding incidents could be avoided in the future.
Some of the highlights of the interactive session were an appeal by the chairman of Mokwa Local Government to the house committees to solicit for more support from state individuals, international committees and organisations as the local government is still having some humanitarian challenges.
Also, he appeals to the house committees to plead within their pledges. Furthermore the chairman commended the Mokwa Local Governmen chairman, Niger state governor in mitigating against the flood. In the full adress of the chairman
“INTERACTIVE SESSION ON MEASURES AND SOLUTIONS TO FLOOD DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY
OF MOKWA, KANJI, JEBBA DAMS, IHIALA, OGABRU, BENUE, LOKOJA AMONGS OTHERS.
PROTOCOLS
The Deputy chairman,
All invited Chairmen and Deputies of Committees
Honourable Members of Committees
Honourable Ministers
Director Generals/Chief Executives of all the Agencies invited
Local Government Chairmen and District Heads
The Clerk of the Committee and the Secretariat
Gentle Men of the Press
It is a pleasure to welcome you to this interactive session addressing a pressing issue in Nigeria—flood disaster management, with a particular focus on the Mokwa, Kanji, Jebba Dams in Niger, Ihiala, Ogbaru in Anambra amongs others.
Flooding has become a recurrent problem in Nigeria, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and poor infrastructure. Our goal today is to explore effective measures and solutions to mitigate flood risks, enhance preparedness, and improve our disaster response systems.
Clearly , the Mokwa, Kanji, and Jebba Dams play a crucial role in the management of water resources in Niger State and even beyond. They regulate river flows, provide hydroelectric power, support irrigation, and influence local ecosystems. However, improper management, neglect, and climate impacts can lead to devastating flood events. The recent histories of flooding around these areas particularly the May 29th deluge illustrates the critical need for effective disaster management strategies.
KEY AREAS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION:
Awareness and Community Engagement:
Educating communities about flood risks and safety measures is essential.
this may include workshops, school programs, and localized training on disaster preparedness.
Improved Forecasting and Early Warning Systems:
Deploying technology for accurate weather forecasting and real-time flood alerts will significantly help to curb recurring flood disaster. This includes developing mobile apps and use of community radio programs to disseminate information.
Infrastructural Maintenance and Improvement:
Regular maintenance of dams, canals, and drainage systems is yet another potent panacea to stemming the tide of flood disaster. This includes implementation of green infrastructure such as wetlands restoration to absorb excess water.Climate Change Adaptation Strategies:
There’s an urgent need to incorporate climate change considerations into local disaster management plans.
CONCLUSION:
The challenges posed by flooding in high density areas like Niger State with particular reference to Mokwa, Kanji, and Jebba Dams, require a proactive and collaborative approach. Together, through community engagement, technological innovation, infrastructure improvement, sound policy, climate adaptation, and strong emergency response frameworks, we can effectively manage flood risks and protect lives and livelihoods.
CALL TO ACTION:
I encourage each and everyone one of us to be an ambassador for flood disaster management in our respective communities by sharing insights and collaborating together.
Rt. Hon. Paschal Agbodike, PhD
Chairman ” he stated..”
