FG reaffirms commitment to flood prevention, climate resilience

Innocent RaphaelMay 13, 2025

1 minute read

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the devastating impact of flooding across Nigeria, pledging to protect lives, livelihoods, and national infrastructure through coordinated efforts with all tiers of government.

This assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, represented by Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mberi, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, during a high-level meeting with ministers and heads of relevant agencies on Tuesday in Abuja.

Senator Akume noted that the Tinubu administration is actively addressing climate-related issues, including flooding and desertification, and urged greater collaboration among government agencies to develop lasting solutions. “Mr. President is resolute in implementing effective measures to curtail the menace,” he said.

The Minister of Environment, represented by Dr. Usman Abdullahi Bokani, reported the installation of automated flood warning systems in 22 communities and the deployment of flood vanguards to strengthen early warning mechanisms.

The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, disclosed that the agency is monitoring the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon—often linked to flooding in Nigeria—using geospatial technology.

Also speaking, NIHSA Director General, Dr. Umar Mohammed, said the agency is working closely with NiMET to produce and disseminate flood and seasonal forecasts, along with grassroots-level risk communication strategies.

Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMET, highlighted tools such as daily weather outlooks, flash flood alerts, and quarterly flood and drought monitoring bulletins being used to improve preparedness.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to establish a committee that will compile and report all flood-related activities and agency efforts directly to President Bola Tinubu, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s climate resilience objectives.