Utsev, Goronyo lead Nigerians into battle readiness against flood

By YANGE IKYAA

The minister of water resources and sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, alongside the minister of state for water resources and sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, at the weekend urged all Nigerians to stand ready against possible flood disasters in the coming months.

They also addressed concerns about the preparedness of Nigerians against potential flooding, as the rainy season progresses in the country.

Commenting on data released by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Utsev emphasized that an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system has been noted, and that the flow level at NIHSA’s gauging station in Makurdi stood at 8.97 meters as of August 25, 2023, compared to 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.

In contrast, he said, the flow level of the River Niger system, specifically at Niamey, Niger Republic looked stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters. Similarly, inland dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro showed consistent flow regimes.

With regards to the critical hydrological station downstream at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, Utsev assured that the measured parameters were within normal limits.

In his own words, “the downstream monitoring station, however, registered a flow level of 7.80 meters on August 25th, 2023, compared to 8.24 meters on the same date in 2022.”

Recognizing Nigeria’s downstream position within the Niger River Basin, the minister acknowledged the increased rainfall and flooding risk during the months of July to October. He further stressed that NIHSA maintains an active information-sharing relationship with Cameroon’s National Hydrological Services on water releases.

The minister also emphasized the necessity for all levels of government to bolster preparedness measures and minimize flooding during the peak of the rainy season.

Key recommendations made by him included relocating individuals residing along river banks to higher ground, intensifying drainage maintenance, and constructing new drainage systems.

Utsev further emphasized the importance of removing unauthorized structures within floodplains, while cautioning the public, particularly road users, against driving into floodwaters. He however reassured that, at present, there is no immediate threat to lives and properties, especially in states contiguous to the Rivers Niger and Benue.