The Federal Government has re-stated its commitment to curtailing the devastating effects of flooding across the country, to safeguard lives and national assets.
The Secretary to The Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary General Services Office, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mberi made this disclosure during a meeting with Ministers and Chief Executive Officers of relevant Ministries and Agencies on the Prevention and Management of the Devastating Effect of flooding in Nigeria.
He stressed on the ongoing efforts of the present administration in tackling the menace of flooding and climate change and further highlighted that the Federal Government is working assiduously with all levels of government to address the drastic effects it has on the country.
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“This administration is particular about addressing the issues of flooding and other related issues like desertification. Mr.President is resolute towards implementing effective measures to curtail the menace”.
The SGF emphasised on the importance of collaboration among agencies responsible for climate-related initiatives and urged them to work in synergy with the Federal Government. This unified effort is aimed at developing sustainable solutions to address the persistent flooding challenges facing the country.
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The agencies in attendance provided their remarks and highlighted their collective efforts towards effectively managing climatic disasters.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Director Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, Dr. Usman Abdullahi Bokani, stated that the ministry has established automated flood warning systems in Twenty-Two(22) communities across the country as well as flood vanguards to inform the agency on flood alert.
Also responding to SGF’s remarks, Director General and Chief Executive of National Space Research and Development Agency(NASRDA) Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju higlighted that the agency has geo-spatial instruments to monitor the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon which is largely responsible for flooding in Nigeria .
According to the Director General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the agency is actively leveraging on its interactions with other agencies.
‘ We have since inception being working closely with NIMET, we share data and we collaborate in bringing out flood forecasts and seasonal forecast.” The agency also has a risk communication guideline to mobilise the people at the grassroots.
In his remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Meterological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Charles Anosike stated that the agency is equipped to provide weather forecasts which the agency is actively engaging to combat flooding.
“We have an annual seasonal prediction, daily weather outlooks, three day impact forecast, flash flood risk marking and quarterly drought and flood monitoring bulletin”
Furthermore, the Director General, National Emergency Management(NEMA) Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director, Planning Research and Forecasting Dr. Onimode Bandele, harped on the preparedness of NEMA to provide relief items to flood victims.
The meeting ended with a resolution to constitute a committee to report the activities of the agencies to the President.