Flooding : Time For Piecemeal Approches Over – Reps Committee Chairman

The Chairman of the House of Representatives adhoc committee on flood management and response, Mr Midala Balami has called on civil society, the private sector and international partners to join efforts in developing a sustainable national response to flooding and humanitarian emergencies.

Mr Balami made the call in Abuja during the committee’s inauguration by the Speaker of the House, Dr Abbas Tajudeen

According to the Lawmaker, flooding has become a “national emergency” that kills people, destroys livelihoods and damages infrastructure every year.

“The time for piecemeal approaches is over,” Balami said. “We need a comprehensive framework covering prevention, early warning systems, emergency response, community resilience, infrastructure development and climate adaptation.”

Balami who is the member representing
Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Borno State, pledged that the panel would investigate root causes, assess government preparedness and consult affected communities before submitting a roadmap for resilience.

Inaugurating the committee, the Speaker tasked the committee to propose both immediate and long-term measures that would move Nigeria from “reactive to preventive” action.

Represented by the House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere, Dr Abbass expressed concern that flooding displaces thousands of families annually and undermines development.

“Nigeria is among the countries hardest hit by declining aid.

“The UN says its $4.7 billion appeal for West and Central Africa is only 36% funded, forcing agencies to scale back food assistance in Nigeria and neighboring states.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji