Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to addressing the country’s recurring flood disasters with a comprehensive new strategy.
Speaking on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, during an on-the-ground assessment of the devastating floods that have displaced several communities, Shettima emphasised that while the factors contributing to these disasters are complex and varied, the government is prepared to tackle them head-on.
“Though the factors leading to the ravaging flood and other recurring disasters in the country are diverse, President Tinubu has already developed a comprehensive roadmap aimed at addressing these challenges head-on,” the Vice President revealed, offering comfort to the victims. He added that the federal government is prioritising the welfare of those affected by the floods.
In his address, Vice President Shettima expressed his deep sympathy for the communities devastated by the flood, acknowledging the significant losses experienced by families in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
He noted that despite the proactive measures taken in response to the 2024 Flood Outlook, the severity of the flood exceeded expectations, marking the worst flooding in Maiduguri in over 30 years.
Vice President Shettima also highlighted the increasing threat posed by climate change, pointing to Nigeria’s ongoing vulnerability to floods, which has been evident in previous disasters in 2012, 2018, and 2022.
In response, the government has gathered data through emergency response agencies and early warning centres, allowing for more targeted interventions in flood-prone areas. These areas, characterised by unpredictable rainfall and complex river dynamics, have been prioritised for protection under the government’s flood mitigation strategy.
Shettima commended the Borno State government for its rapid response and praised the resilience of the people of Maiduguri for supporting one another through this crisis.
He concluded by emphasising that the government’s flood mitigation measures are based on rigorous data analysis and hydrological modelling to provide a clear path for managing future flood risks across the country.