PROTOCOL
The Federal Government of Nigeria and indeed the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation deeply sympathize with the government and the good people of Borno State on the flood disaster that befell us few days ago. This flood disaster, directly and indirectly affected millions of Nigerians, destroying homes, property, farmlands, roads, critical infrastructure and assets, among others. I identify with you all as we progress to navigate through this difficult time.
- It would be recalled that earlier this year (on 16th April,2024), I disseminated to the nation, the expected flood scenarios for the year 2024 through the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) publication of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency. The Flood Outlook highlighted the High, Moderate and Low Flood Risk Areas in the country. Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe, Benue, Gombe, and many others states were among the 31 states listed as high flood risk areas.
- This flood disaster that affected Maiduguri and Jere areas of Borno State was largely due to overflow of water from Alau Dam which is about 10 kilometers from Maiduguri city centre owing to massive inflow from Ngadda river, a major tributary of River Yedzaram. The Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Bello Mohammad Goronyo and I have visited Maiduguri with Head of Agencies and Parastatals in my Ministry to express solidarity with the Governor, Borno State and to assess the extent of devastation caused by the flood. As I speak now, the team of technical experts from the Ministry, National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) including Chad Basin Development Authority are physically on ground to assess the situation in Alau Dam and the extent of the flood disaster and come up with useful findings and recommendations. Reports of similar visits (in Bauchi, Sokoto and Kebbi States) have been produced and action is being taken. It should be noted however, that as we try to recover from this disaster, the water we drink may be contaminated, we should please be mindful of this, so as to avoid further outbreak of waterborne and communicable diseases.
- As we mourn the losses in Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi and other states affected by flooding, the attention of Nigerians is hereby drawn to the probable river flooding on rivers Niger and Benue and some of their tributaries. The daily flow on these rivers indicates significant increase in flow levels tending towards RED alert. This warning means that large volume of water is moving through our rivers down to the delta region. Therefore, we should increase vigilance on all ramifications and step up proactive measures to address any eventual flooding events in the southern part of the country.
- We will also recall that the Presidential Committee on the Development of Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters in Nigeria that was set up with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation as the Chairman of its Steering Committee had its report submitted. This Report recommended Ten (10) Strategic Areas to address the menace of annual flooding in Nigeria and relevant interventions taking into consideration required activities pre, during and post flooding periods. These include responsible agencies, expected outcomes, as well as timelines and indicative costs, where Mr. President, as part of the recommendations, has graciously approvedo; the sum of N108 billion Naira to 36 States to tackle perennial flooding in the country.
- As we try to recover from this tragedy, I wish to implore all government at the sub-national level and stakeholders to take heed to the flood early warning information from the Ministry and take proactive measures to forestall future flooding and activate response measures to alleviate the suffering of the citizens that have been affected by floods.
- We pledge our continued support to all Nigerians in these trying times.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE.
Honourable Minister
