Flooding : House Of Reps Tasks Committee On Long-Term Solutions

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, has inaugurated an adhoc committee on flood management and response to find long-term solutions to the country’s recurring disasters

Inaugurating the Committee, Dr Abbas, who was represented by the Leader of the House Prof. Julius Ihonvbere described flooding as a “national emergency” that destroys homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure each year.

Dr Abbas urged the committee to recommend measures that would shift Nigeria from reactive disaster relief to preventive planning.

He said flooding has, in recent years inflicted devastating losses on Nigerian communities, destroying livelihoods, displacing families, and undermining development efforts.

“Flooding goes beyond being a mere environmental issue. It is an economic, social, and humanitarian challenge,” the Speaker said.

“Every year, thousands of families are displaced, farmlands are submerged, and critical infrastructure is washed away. These tragedies demand deliberate and well-coordinated responses.”

The Speaker stressed that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to addressing matters that directly affect Nigerians, including natural disasters.

He said the duty of lawmakers extends beyond lawmaking to anticipating challenges, strengthening institutions, and ensuring government responses meet the needs of citizens.

He tasked the committee to identify gaps in Nigeria’s preparedness and recommend a clear roadmap for national resilience against flooding.

“The House expects this committee to identify both the immediate and long-term measures required to prevent loss of lives and property, while recommending strategies that will move the nation from reactive to preventive measures,” Abbas said.

Dr Abbas urged the committee to work closely with key agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Health, Works, and Housing, as well as state and local governments.

He also highlighted the role of the Nigerian Space Agency in providing satellite imagery for effective flood mapping.

“Flood management requires the concerted involvement of all relevant stakeholders. Only a holistic and coordinated approach will ensure a sustainable response,” he emphasized.

The Speaker further directed the committee to pay special attention to legislative gaps hindering effective flood management. Where laws are weak, outdated, or insufficient, he said, the House stands ready to strengthen the legal framework to better protect Nigerians.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji