In response to reoccurring flood incidents in some parts of the country, the federal government has issued a mandate to states that have yet to submit their risk status reports.
These states have been given a week to submit their findings.
The decision was handed to the relevant states during Thursday’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.
The summit, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the significance of identifying and addressing the vulnerability of these states as soon as possible in order to limit the impact of future floods.
FG Estimates Fresh Flooding, Says 662 Killed In 2022
The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, told State House correspondents that just 15 states had complied with an earlier mandate to submit their report to a five-man ad hoc committee on floods formed by the immediate past administration.
He implied that some victims have yet to get compensation as a result of the blocked investigation describing the scope and severity of floods in their area.
“One of the issues that came up for discussion was flooding or flood disasters across the country. At the 128th NEC meeting held on October 20, 2022, the then chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the former governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, drew the attention of the council to the devastating effects of the 2022 floor, which affected almost all the states of the federation, which resulted in the loss of lives and livelihoods.
“The council resolved, as at that time, to set up a five-man ad hoc committee on flooding, comprising governors of Jigawa, Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos and Yobe States, and co-opted some other ministries and agencies. The terms of reference were to review the current flooding situation in the country and design a template for compensation for victims.
Peter Obi Assures Obidients of Reclaiming Mandate During Meeting With LP Stakeholders (Photos)
“In carrying out that particular assignment, there were limitations. One of the limitations is the delay in the non-submission of field templates by some states, only 16 states out of the total number of states affected forwarded their submissions to NEC Secretariat, up to date, and about 15 others were yet to do so. Submissions from defaulting states are awaited as we speak.
“Recommendations and the plight of victims of the unfortunate flood disaster across affected states of the federation could be alleviated if the much needed intervention from the federal government materialized without further delay.
“There is therefore a need to expedite the release of funds to affected states as recommended by designated committees constituted by the federal government to that effect.
“This will go a long way in addressing the needs of the victims as well as offset debts incurred by some states to assist the victims. You are aware that various agencies that are responsible for giving us early warnings and signs have been warning that this year might be worse than last year. So flooding can now be predicted to be an annual occurrence.
Osinbajo, Obiano Use Boats To Visit Flood Victims In Anambra
“The council resolved that all states should make a comprehensive submission by next week. Members are also to liaise with the Office of the Vice President, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and all the private sector and other well spirited Nigerians to help in tackling this flooding in the country,” Bello stated while interacting with the media.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.