Reps ask FG to relocate Nigerians from flood-prone areas

The house of representatives has asked the federal government to ensure the relocation of Nigerians from flood-prone areas across the country.

The lawmakers also invited Mustapha Ahmed, director general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and heads of other relevant agencies, to brief them on the measures put in place to mitigate flood disasters and manage the socio-economic impact on residents.

The resolution was passed on Wednesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Femi Gbajabiamila, former speaker of the house.

While moving the motion, Gbajabiamila said a “large portion” of the country is prone to “annual destructive flooding incidents” which has increased significantly, resulting in the devastation of lives and properties.

Gbajabiamila said the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in January released a forecast of early and heavy rains throughout the season.

“The prediction of an early rainy season has already come to pass. There is every reason to expect the forecast of a heavy rainy season will also come to fruition,” he said.

He said Nigeria still has not fully overcome the aftermath of the 2022 flood that impacted over 4 million Nigerians, resulting in the displacement of over 2 million people.

He added that the disaster claimed the lives of 665 individuals, destroyed approximately 355,986 houses, and affected an estimated 944,989 hectares of farmland.

Gbajabiamila said with “sufficient preparation” and collaboration between the federal and state governments, flood can be mitigated, averting the loss of lives and socio-economic hardship.

“There is a need for the federal government and the state governments to commence active measures to mitigate the probable devastation of a severe flood season and prepare palliative and intervention measures to prevent the worst socio-economic consequences for Nigerians in the affected areas,” he said.

The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, the presiding officer.

The lawmakers also urged the federal and state governments to “ensure effective collaboration to prevent the worst outcomes in flood-prone areas”.