House of Representatives, on Thursday, unveiled plans to investigate the utilisation of the sum of N19.2 billion allocated for the devastating impact of flooding on farmlands across the nation by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The lawmakers also resolved to investigate the distribution of food and non-food materials to affected citizens by the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR).
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on: ‘Prevention and management of the devastating effect of flooding in Nigeria’, sponsored by Hon. Sekav Dzua Iyortyom who called for the House intervention.
“The House notes that Flooding is a devastating natural disaster caused by heavy rainfall, river overflow, human activities like illegal structures and refuse, and periodic release of water from overfilled dams.
“The House also notes that in 2022, the Federal Government established a Presidential Committee to develop a comprehensive flood prevention plan, allocating N19.2 billion to mitigate the devastating impact of flooding on farmlands.
“The House is aware that in the same year, the Ministry of Water Resources released the General Flood Outlook Report for the year, indicating that 223 local governments in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory constituted the highly probable flood risk areas; 212 Local Government Areas in 35 States of the Federation, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, were classified as the moderately probable flood risk areas; and the remainder of 329 local government areas comprised the probable flood risk areas.
“The House is also aware that in the same year, the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) partnered to distribute relief materials to flood victims across Nigeria, allocating N1.5 billion for the procurement and supply of the same.
“The House recognises that the flooding of towns and villages across the country was attributed to heavy rain and the impact of climate change, which deserve urgent, proper planning and proactive actions to prevent damages caused by flooding.
“The House is concerned that the prevalence of floods in Nigeria requires urgent attention as delays could result in the destruction of houses and farms, food shortages, and a humanitarian crisis,” he said.
In the bid to address the concerns raised, the House urged Federal Government to expedite action on the prevention of flood disasters in Nigeria; intervene to provide relief to flood victims; monitor the management and prevention of flooding, and educate Nigerians on ways to prevent flooding.
The lawmakers also urged management of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and other stakeholders to work in synergy on the best possible ways to alleviate flooding in Nigeria.
To this end, the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas referred the motion to the joint House Committees on Works and Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Works for further legislative action.
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