By Our Reporter
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo has disclosed that the report of the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad-hoc Committee’s Technical Working Group on flood, erosion, drought, and desertification is now ready.
The Minister of State, who made this announcement yesterday in Abuja, said the Committee’s recommendations are unique and comprehensive in nature, addressing not only floods but also drought, desertification, and erosion control.
Hon. Goronyo expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome challenges in flood management, drought, and desertification with the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
He emphasised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prioritisation of the welfare of Nigerians, adding that the federal government has an unwavering dedication to fulfilling its mandate, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of national goals.
He said the recommendations will involve stakeholders at all levels of government, agencies, communities, marketers, and individuals, stressing the importance of collective effort to tackle the significant national task successfully.
He reminded the Committee of the recently released National Flood Outlook and urged preparedness of all stakeholders to address the challenges in order to mitigate the predicted outlook.
Hon. Goronyo, who expressed confidence that the report would be effectively utilized for informed decision-making by policymakers, said it will now be forwarded to the main committee for further action and subsequent transmission to the National Economic Council for consideration.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the office of the Vice President, Executive Governor of Kogi State, DG NEMA, NiMET, NISHA, and other relevant stakeholders that served in the Committee for their support.
He commended the invaluable suggestions, rigorous deliberations, constructive arguments, and active engagement of the Committee Members, which culminated in a comprehensive roadmap and a resilient report.
He expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in the committee members to undertake the crucial national assignment.
The meeting unanimously adopted the report, signifying its readiness for submission to the National Flood Committee and subsequent transmission to the National Economic Council.