By Rashidat Oladele
In response to the struggles faced by Nigerian farmers attempting to repay over N700 billion in loans from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, experts have put forth a proposal for the construction of larger dams and irrigation projects.
The recent opening of Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam has led to flooding in several frontline states. The National Emergency Management Agency reports that this development is anticipated to impact 13 states significantly.
Professor Abel Ogunwale, a consultant with the World Bank, emphasizes the importance of immediate government action in constructing larger dams to store excess water and avert floods triggered by releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
These reservoir projects, he contends, should serve not only irrigation purposes but also act as a preventive buffer against floods.
Furthermore, Prof. Ogunwale underscores that establishing sufficient dams capable of accommodating flow releases from Cameroonian dams must become a focal point in Nigeria’s water resource management policy.
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He stresses the need to mobilize farmers for flood preparedness and advocates for educating them on coping mechanisms in disaster-prone areas.
Agronomist Ahmed Abdullahi, representing the Flour Millings Association of Nigeria (FMAN), notes that farmers along the River Niger and Benue are at the highest risk of flooding.
He recommends that these farmers plant early-maturing crops, such as maize, to mitigate potential losses resulting from the annual water releases in September.
He also suggests relocating farms farther inland to protect against flood-related damages, highlighting the availability of vast lands in Nigeria.
Abiodun Adeloye, former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin, urges the Federal Government to engage Cameroon in discussions about mitigation measures to safeguard the agricultural sector from flooding, which could severely impact food production and financially strain already vulnerable farmers.
In regions like Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East and West, Onitsha North and South, Awka North, Idemilli South, Ekwusigo, and Ihiala in Anambra, residents are gearing up for the annual flooding that threatens their homes, farmlands, properties, and businesses, especially following the release of water from the Cameroon Lagdo Dam.
