Joseph Utsev: Flooding not an immediate threat to lives and property in Nigeria

Joseph Utsev, the minister of water resources and sanitation, says flooding is not an immediate concern in the country.

Speaking to the media in Abuja, Utsev said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue.

The minister said reports from inland dams such as Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro have shown a consistent flow, adding that there is no threat to lives and property at the moment.

Utsev however called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to ensure preparedness and to limit flooding in the country.

“In Lokoja, the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remains within normal parameters,” he said.

“The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.80 meters today, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022.

“As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially for those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.

“States and Local Governments should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist.

“The general public, especially road users, should desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood.”

In a related development, the Nasarawa state government says it will demolish structures built on water ways to prevent flooding.

Yakubu Kwanta, the state commissioner for environment and natural resources, said this after the environmental sanitation exercise in Lafia, on August 26.

Kwanta, who was represented by Abubakar Mohammed, chief environment officer, said the ministry would be proactive in preventing any disaster.

He said residents of flood prone areas have been directed to relocate to safer grounds.

“When you block the water ways and prevent free flow, you are inviting disaster. Because any how, water will find its way,” he said.