NEC orders audit of Nigeria’s waterways, dams amid flooding
The National Economic Council (NEC) has directed the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation to conduct a comprehensive integrity review of Nigeria’s waterways and dams.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state said this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after the NEC meeting.
The meeting was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The governor explained that this initiative aims to mitigate the devastating impact of flooding.
He noted that the minister of water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, had informed NEC members about the federal government’s intervention activities across the country.
According to Mr Soludo, after receiving the minister’s presentation, NEC resolved that the ministry should conduct an integrity review of all waterways and dams nationwide.
“There was a strong emphasis on the need for a comprehensive dredging programme for the waterways,” he stated.
The council also urged governors who have not submitted their reports on flooding and management in their states to do so immediately.
It emphasised that the Green Climate Fund should include an infrastructure resilience component.
Mr Soludo pointed out that critical regions of the country, particularly the South-East and South-South, have been severely affected by flooding but have been omitted from ongoing dam construction programmes.
He said it was intended to act as barriers along major highways, especially along the River Niger.
Mr Soludo mentioned that the council reviewed the national emergency response and the coordination between states and the federal government regarding damage assessments and outlined further steps to be taken.
“To date, about 34 states have been affected, encompassing 217 local governments, with 1,374,557 people impacted.
“Additionally, 740,743 individuals have been displaced nationwide, 321 people have died, 2,845 have been injured, and 250,800 acres of cultivated farmland have been destroyed due to rapid flooding”.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The Kano State Fire Service has said that one person died and three others were rescued after a building under construction collapsed
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
Education
Nasarawa private schools halt academic activities over multiple taxation
They said the taxes amount to hundreds of thousands of naira annually.
Hot news Home top
No school abduction in Oyo for years until hours after I declared for presidency: Makinde
Mr Makinde slammed critics who said it was his responsibility to secure the release of the abducted victims in the state.
