The federal government has given state governors a one-week deadline to submit vulnerability status reports for flood-prone areas. This directive is in response to the recurring incidents of floods that have been plaguing parts of the country.
The instructions were delivered during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The meeting emphasized the importance of promptly assessing and addressing the vulnerability of these states to mitigate the impact of future flood occurrences.
In a briefing with State House correspondents, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, highlighted the urgency of submitting these reports. He stated that out of the affected states, only 15 had complied with the initial directive to submit their reports to a five-man ad hoc committee on flooding formed by the previous administration.
Bello further revealed that victims of past floods were still awaiting compensation due to the delay in receiving the detailed reports on the extent and impact of flooding in their areas. The lack of these reports has hindered the release of funds and assistance from the federal government.
“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…drew the attention of the council to the devastating effects of the 2022 flood, which affected almost all the states of the federation, resulting in the loss of lives and livelihoods,” Bello explained.
The NEC had previously set up a committee to review the current flooding situation in the country and develop a compensation template for flood victims. However, the progress of this committee has been hindered by the delay in states submitting their reports.
Bello stressed the urgency of the situation, as meteorological agencies have warned that this year’s flooding may be worse than last year’s. He emphasized the need to expedite the release of funds to affected states to provide relief for the victims and settle debts incurred while assisting them.
“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 private sector organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to help tackle flooding in the country,” Bello stated.
It is hoped that the submission of these reports will facilitate prompt intervention from the federal government and alleviate the plight of flood victims across the country.
