The Federal Government on Thursday expressed concern over the increase of flooding and reiterated commitment to intensify efforts to effectively address the situation, Nature News gathered.
Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, expressed the concern at the 14th National Stakeholders Forum in Abuja.
The forum with the theme: “Flood disasters, an imperative for environmental governance” was organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
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Abubakar said that flooding was a very major issue the Federal Government was being faced, adding that the ministry was collaborating with various relevant stakeholders to ensure that the problem was tackled effectively.
“The Federal Government is concerned about the increase in flooding situation causing destruction of many lives, property and agricultural lands, especially in some of the states across the country.
“This year alone, a lot of farmers in the states have lost their farm lands and this situation has caused increase in the cost of living. Flooding has caused a lot of setback in the sector, so, I want to let Nigerians know that the government is worried and concerned and seriously working towards addressing the situation.
“The ministry will be presenting a memo to the National Executive Council, (NEC) on flood control including the possibility in tackling it.
“The presentation will be chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. We are going to do that presentation in ways and manners whereby flooding can be prevented,’’ he said.
Speaking, the Environment Minister for State, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, said that the objective of the forum was to create an occasion for deliberation on the importance of curbing the menace associated with flood disasters in the country.
Ikeazor said that NESREA was committed to confronting the menace of flooding through the enforcement of preventive measures.
