The Nigerian Senate has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate the immediate dredging of the Rivers Niger and Benue as part of proactive measures to mitigate flooding risks.
In a recent session, the Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to reach out to communities affected by flooding and provide necessary relief materials to victims. Additionally, the Senate urged the President to ensure that funding for the dredging of both rivers is included in the 2025 budget.
The Upper Chamber also requested the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to assist in the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including the Shuwa, Jigalambu, and Baladega Bridges. Furthermore, the Senate mandated its committee on legislative compliance to oversee the implementation of these resolutions by NEMA and FERMA.
Earlier this year, the Senate convened an emergency session where it similarly resolved to incorporate the dredging of the Rivers Niger and Benue, along with other river projects, into the 2024 Appropriation Bill. This initiative is aimed at combating the recurring issue of flooding and its damaging effects across the nation.
The recent Senate resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Amos K. Yohanna of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Adamawa North. Presenting the motion, Senator Yohanna highlighted the severe flooding that devastated five local government areas within the Adamawa North senatorial district, including Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North, and Mubi South. This flooding resulted in extensive destruction of homes and agricultural lands.
He stated, “The Senate notes that there was massive flooding that caused catastrophic destruction in the five local governments of Adamawa North senatorial district.” Senator Yohanna further detailed the aftermath of the floods, noting that hundreds of houses and farmlands were destroyed, and critical infrastructure such as culverts and bridges in Shuwa (Madagali LGA), Jigalambu, Watu, Kudzum (Michika LGA), and the Baladega Bridge along the Mubi-Maiha road were washed away. Tragically, the floods also resulted in the loss of lives.