George George Idowu
The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has disclosed that floods have claimed over 200 lives, displaced 208,000 people, and destroyed homes and farmlands across 28 states in the country.
The Commission called for a comprehensive flood management strategy at both state and federal levels to improve community resilience against future floods.
According to N-HYPPADEC, the strategy to be used should include proactive measures and ensure that relevant agencies and stakeholders are prepared for swift response to any further incidents.
The commission also stressed the importance of collective action to provide adequate support to affected communities and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
The Managing Director N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, gave the statistics of impact of flood in the country at a press conference held at the Commission’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State on Monday,.
According to Alhaji Yelwa, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has identified poor infrastructure, non-compliance with environmental guidelines, and inadequate dam management as key factors exacerbating the flooding, alongside heavy rainfall.
He emphasized that human activities are largely to blame for the disaster, threatening millions of lives and livelihoods.
He noted that Benue State is among the hardest hit, with 634 communities affected and nearly 30,000 farmlands destroyed. In Kebbi State, 6,959 households have been damaged, and one person has died. Other states, including Gombe, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kaduna, face similar challenges.
Yelwa warned that the increasing frequency and intensity of floods jeopardized President Tinubu’s objectives for food security and economic development.
His words: “ In Niger State, seven lives were lost due to flooding along the Mokwa-New Bussa Federal Highway, with significant damage to critical infrastructure, including three major bridges.”
Yelwa also mentioned damage to schools, health centres, and other vital infrastructure, which complicates efforts to achieve economic growth.
However, he said despite these challenges, he affirmed that N-HYPPADEC has been active in addressing flood-related issues.
He added that the commission has implemented key flood and erosion control projects, such as hydraulic drainage systems in Kogi and Benue States and flood control dykes and retaining walls in Kebbi State.
In addition, he said about 500 resettlement houses are being constructed for flood victims in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi States.
He, however, said given the scale of devastation and the risk of further flooding, he urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the most affected regions, especially within N-HYPPADEC member states.
He said the Commission’s officers are already on the ground conducting assessments to determine the next steps for recovery efforts.
Alhaji Yelwa extended his condolences to the flood victims and urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow authorities’ instructions to prevent further casualties.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to supporting these communities, recognizing their sacrifices for the country’s development and electricity generation.