NEC Proposes New Dam Constructions For South East And South South To Combat Flooding
The National Economic Council (NEC), Nigeria’s premier economic advisory body, convened on Thursday and recommended the inclusion of the South East and South-South regions in the ongoing construction of dams across the country. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to address the persistent flooding issues that have plagued various regions of Nigeria, especially in the wake of the devastating floods this year.
During the 144th meeting of the council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, reported that the NEC supported a directive from the Federal Government mandating the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to carry out a comprehensive integrity test of Nigeria’s waterways and dams. This initiative aims to mitigate flooding risks in the future.
Governor Soludo highlighted that Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, had briefed council members on the government’s interventions following the disastrous effects of the recent floods. The ministry had identified 148 local government areas across 31 states as high-risk zones for flooding from April to November 2024.
In the meeting, the NEC underscored the urgent need for a massive dredging program for the country’s waterways to enhance flood management and prevent further disasters. The council urged governors who have not yet submitted reports regarding flooding conditions and management in their respective states to do so promptly.
The NEC also emphasized the necessity of incorporating an infrastructure resilient fund component into the Green Climate Fund, recognizing that critical regions, particularly the South East and South South, have been significantly impacted by flooding yet remain excluded from current dam construction programs. These dams are expected to serve as “speed bumps” along the River Niger to help manage water flow and mitigate flooding.
Soludo reported alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 34 states, 217 local governments, and over 1.3 million individuals have been affected by the floods, resulting in 321 deaths and 20,845 injuries. Furthermore, about 250,800 hectares of cultivated farmland have been either destroyed or adversely impacted by the rapid flooding.
The council advocated for the establishment of an annual desilting program for waterways to effectively reduce future flood risks. During the meeting, Minister Utsev indicated that a technical sub-committee, appointed by the President on October 8, 2024, is currently working on compiling an interim report. This report will be presented to an inter-ministerial committee for further action and eventual transmission to the President.
The NEC’s recommendations reflect a proactive approach to addressing Nigeria’s ongoing flooding challenges, aiming to enhance the resilience of the country’s infrastructure and protect vulnerable communities from future environmental disasters.
