By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has pledged stronger national action against recurring floods, following a collaborative meeting with the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Flood Management and Response in Abuja.
Minister Engr. Prof. Terlumun Joseph Utsev announced ongoing efforts to complete key dam projects—such as the Mangu Dam in Plateau, Adada River Dam in Enugu, and the Kashimbilla Multipurpose Dam in Taraba—designed to boost irrigation, power generation, and flood control.
He also cited upcoming projects like the Datsin Hausa buffer dam in Adamawa and emphasized the urgent need for coordinated flood interventions, noting the loss of vast irrigable land to flooding in recent years.
Utsev stressed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing early warning systems through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), accelerating dam and irrigation project completion, and expanding public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investments and technical expertise.
He called for increased collaboration with state governments to ensure full utilization of water infrastructure for both supply and flood mitigation.
The Minister reiterated the importance of a strong working relationship with the National Assembly to improve water resource governance nationwide.
Hon. Midala Usman Balami, Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, said the committee’s visit—mandated by House Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas—aimed to address Nigeria’s persistent flood risks.
He advocated for a multi-sectoral strategy grounded in collaboration, data sharing, and transparency, and commended NIHSA’s early warning efforts while urging further support.
Other lawmakers at the meeting committed to supporting the Ministry in securing adequate funding and technical input for sustainable flood management.
Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; Directors from the Ministry; and the Director-Generals of NIHSA and the National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna.
