The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has presented the recently formulated National Strategic Flood Management Plan for Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu, while stakeholders eagerly await further guidance.
During the commencement of a three-day retreat for senior management personnel of the water ministry in Abuja, Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the plan’s potential to effectively combat flooding issues in the country.
Nigeria experiences significant flooding during the rainy season, resulting in the loss of lives and property. Nevertheless, concerted efforts by the government and stakeholders are being made to address this persistent challenge.
In his address at the retreat on Friday, the minister highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts at the regional level, involving the Lake Chad Commission and Niger Basin Authority, for the management of cross-border water systems.
“It is also instructive to note that a National Strategic Plan for Flood Management in Nigeria was developed in collaboration with other stakeholders and has been submitted to Mr President, awaiting further instructions.
“The plan entails mechanisms for flood mitigation and financing. It integrates structural and non-structural measures, ecosystem needs, and envisages the active participation of government at all levels, communities and the private sector.
“It is important to mention that the ministry may be involved if required in emergency response efforts during droughts, floods and other weather-related disasters to mitigate the impact of such events,” Utsev, who was represented by his Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, stated.
The minister disclosed that there are currently 408 registered dams throughout the country, each at different stages of completion. As a result, Nigeria has amassed an impressive storage capacity of nearly 70 billion cubic meters.
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