The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in states severely affected by flooding to mitigate its devastating impact.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa on Monday said that 80 percent of the states most affected by the floods are within the commission’s jurisdiction, adding that such a declaration would empower relevant agencies to respond more swiftly and effectively.
Yelwa highlighted the urgent need for this measure in light of the extensive damage already inflicted on critical infrastructure and livelihoods, as well as the forecast of further flooding in 2024. “A state of emergency in the hardest-hit states is necessary to keep stakeholders vigilant and ready for prompt action,” he stated.
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He stated that flooding has already devastated 634 communities, washing away over 30,000 farmlands in Benue alone, with 6,959 households and 10,000 farmlands affected in Kebbi, where one life was lost. Additionally, six lives were lost in the Magama and Mashegu Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Yelwa also warned of the precarious condition of the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe, which is nearing collapse and poses a severe threat to nearby communities. Similar flood risks are present in Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kaduna states.
The managing director expressed concern that the ongoing floods threaten to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s and state governments’ efforts to ensure food security and promote wealth creation across the country.
He further detailed the destruction of three major bridges, including the Mayo-Kam Federal Highway, Jalingo-Wukari Road in Taraba, and the Manyara–Sabon-Pegi-Kwatachi Road in New Bussa, Niger State. Critical infrastructure such as culverts, flood drains, schools, and health centers have also been heavily impacted across the commission’s operational areas.
To alleviate the situation, Yelwa noted that N-HYPPADEC has executed flood erosion control projects in member states including Kogi, Benue, Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger. The commission is also constructing around 500 resettlement housing units for flood victims in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi states.
He concluded by urging residents living along floodplains to remain vigilant and adhere to instructions from relevant authorities to prevent further tragedies.
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