The National Economic Council (NEC) has reconstituted its committee on floods to address Nigeria’s recurring flooding issues. This decision follows ongoing national efforts to tackle the impacts of floods across the country.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule announced the reconstitution during a briefing after the council’s monthly meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The meeting, which brings together the Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states, key ministers, and the Governor of the Central Bank, focuses on advising the President on economic and national issues.
Governor Sule stated that states have been given a deadline of Monday, September 9th, to submit their flood damage reports. He emphasized the council’s recognition of the significant impact floods have had on various parts of the country and the necessity for a reconstituted flood committee to address these issues effectively.
The newly formed committee includes the Governors of Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Jigawa States, as well as the Minister of State for Water Resources, Minister of State for Environment, Director General of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Governor Sule noted that affected states are required to report damage to infrastructure such as farms, schools, and bridges by the deadline. The council will use these reports to determine appropriate support for the affected regions.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed added that governors are appreciative of the federal government’s recent support, which includes a three billion naira allocation to each state for flood relief. Mohammed highlighted that the floods have severely impacted the North-East region, particularly affecting transportation routes between Kano and Borno States and causing significant damage and loss of life.
The council’s resolution calls for increased collaboration among all levels of government to ensure food security and enhance disaster response efforts.
