- Nigeria has amassed substantial storage capacity, totaling nearly 70 billion cubic meters
The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has formally presented the recently crafted National Strategic Plan for Flood Management in Nigeria to President Bola Tinubu, and stakeholders are now awaiting further guidance.
During the inaugural session of a three-day retreat for senior management staff of the water ministry in Abuja, Professor Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized that this plan would equip the country to effectively address flooding issues.
The minister had shared that the country currently boasts a registry of 408 dams at various stages of completion nationwide. Nigeria has amassed substantial storage capacity, totaling nearly 70 billion cubic meters.
In his address during the retreat on Friday, the minister also highlighted an ongoing collaboration at the regional level under the Lake Chad Commission and Niger Basin Authority to manage trans-boundary water systems.
“It is also instructive to note that a National Strategic Plan for Flood Management in Nigeria was developed in collaboration with other stakeholders and has been submitted to Mr President, awaiting further instructions.
“The plan entails mechanisms for flood mitigation and financing. It integrates structural and non-structural measures, ecosystem needs, and envisages the active participation of government at all levels, communities and the private sector.
“It is important to mention that the ministry may be involved if required in emergency response efforts during droughts, floods and other weather-related disasters to mitigate the impact of such events,” Utsev, who was represented by his Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, stated.