NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Tribunal upholds Benue councils Chairmen, Councillors election
Judiciary

Tribunal upholds Benue councils Chairmen, Councillors election

355 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

The Benue Election Appeals Tribunal sitting in Abuja has upheld the elections of all the Council Chairmen and Councillors of the state under the umbrella of the All Progressives Party (APC).

The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that the petitioners were largely aspirants from the same APC, who claimed they were rightly nominated but unjustly excluded from the election.

At the elections, split decisions left the incumbents winning in 14 and the petitioners winning in 9 out of the 23 local government areas of the state, a development that led to the appeals from both ends.

Delivering the judgment for Zone A, Justice Michael Ugar, held that the petitioners were duty bound to prove they were first validly nominated before talking of exclusion.

He also held that “the petitioners having failed to prove nomination cannot lay claim to exclusion. Their case is bound to fail and hereby fails and same is dismissed.”

In Zone B, Justice I. Mohammed, held that the provisions of the Benue State Law, 2007 put the issue of nomination of candidates out of the jurisdiction of the trial tribunal.

“The issue of nomination of a candidate is within the domestic affairs of a political party and cannot be litigated at the trial tribunal or this appeal tribunal.

“They do not see a wood in the tree canvassed vigorously by the petitioners. We sit to do justice and not to supervise academic issues.

“We affirm the judgment of the trial tribunal and dismiss the appeal of the petitioners/appellants,” Mohammed said.

Delivering judgment for Zone C, the Appeals Tribunal Chairman, Justice Dennis Igyuse, said the grievances of the petitioners before the lower tribunal could not and cannot be litigated at the tribunal nor the appeal tribunal.

“The petitions of the petitioners are but a reckless display of academic prowess without of course, a destination.

“The consolidated petitions of the petitioners in all of Zone C are dismissed and the local government elections of Oct. 5, 2024 and the return of its winners is hereby upheld.’’

Also, the three petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and an earlier petition filed by the Labour Party were all thrown out.

Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani, lead counsel of the state government representing the state electoral umpire BSIEC, described the judgment as infallible.

Ndarani said the judgement was a reflection of the law, adding that the justices were the heroes of the process for standing firmly for the cause of right.

He congratulated the council chairmen and councillors on their deserved victories and urged them to remain people-oriented.

He also commended the government of Benue as well as all the lawyers whose industry, commitment and selfless efforts made the process a huge success. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Bauchi women farmers lament hike in farmland rental rates
Agriculture

Bauchi women farmers lament hike in farmland rental rates

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By Amina Ahmed

Some women farmers in Bauchi State have expressed concern over the hike in farmland rental rates and input prices as the 2025 cropping season sets in.

They also decried lack of farmers access to extension and agricultural financing services.

A cross-section of the farmers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Bauchi, said the trend was negatively impacting their capacities to produce more.

NAN checks showed that the rental rate ranges between N60,000 and N100,000 per hectare, as against N20,000 and N40,000, during the 2024 season.

NPK brand of fertilisers was sold between N25,000 and N45,000, as against N18,500 and N40,000, depending on its quality.

While Urea fertilisers was also sold between N35,000 and N38,500, as against its previous price of N33,000.

Mrs Rahma Mutashi, a maize grower, said the rise in rental rate was a bad sign to small holder farmers, and discouraged productivity.

She said the trend had forced many farmers to reduce the size of lands to be cultivated as they could not afford exorbitant rates.

“I reduced the size of the land this year to enable me to manage farm expenditure.

“In 2024, I cultivated a two-hectare land, but I can’t afford it anymore,” she said.

Another farmer, Felicia Moses, attributed the hike in rental rate to the increase demand of fertile land, as more people were practicing agriculture.

She blamed landowners for unilateral hike in the rental rates to exploit desperate farmers, adding the trend would negatively impact crop production.

“It is difficult to achieve growth in food production this season in view of the high cost of inputs, labour and rental rates,” she said.

Also, Hajiya Maryam Yalwa, called for early distribution of fertilisers and inputs to the farmers through government agric intervention programmes.

“Last year, the government subsidised fertilisers, and sold to the farmers at N15,000 per bag, as against N21,000 in the open market,” she said.

Reacting, Ibrahim Garba, a landowner, said the rental rates would further go up in view of the increasing demand of lands by individuals, agric and manufacturing companies.

He said the situation was compounded by the farmer population, which was on the increase in the last three years.

This, he said, resulted to competition over agricultural lands and hike in rental rates

“Many families are now cultivating inherited lands collectively to improve food security.

“The trend drastically reduced the availability of land for rent, as even those who previously leased out their plots are now farming on them,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Rabiu  Sani-Ali

WTC unveils export launch pad to boost Nigeria`s trade competitiveness
Economy/Business

WTC unveils export launch pad to boost Nigeria`s trade competitiveness

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By Martha Agas

The World Trade Centre (WTC), Abuja, on Tuesday unveiled an export launch pad aimed at boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

The pad was unveiled by its Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Adelaja, alongside the WTC Abuja Trade Desk shortly after its webinar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the webinar was on “Navigating Global Uncertainties and Breaking Barriers to Growth”, part of its series on ‘Nigeria’s Trade Competitiveness’.

Adelaja described the pad as WTC Abuja’s flagship business accelerator, designed to empower Nigerian exporters, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises to compete successfully in international markets.

He said that the transformative initiatives were in response to the constraints limiting Nigeria’s competitiveness to global trade which aligned with Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda and the African Union 2063 Agenda, among other policies.

He expressed confidence that the launch pad would provide solutions to concerns such as product packaging, compliance to international standards and access to logistics concerns.

“It will provide export-ready diagnostics, sector-specific market intelligence, packaging and compliance advisory and access to logistics partners, trade finance and verified international buyers.

“It will also serve as a pipeline for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade, ECOWAS regional integration and global exports, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, the creative economy and services,” he said.

According to him, the unveiling of the export pad aims to ensure that no viable export idea in Nigeria fails due to a lack of knowledge, access, or support.

While unveiling the WTC Abuja Trade Desk, he said that it would serve as a dedicated liaison and support hub for exporters.

Adelaja said that the services of the desk would also include offering market entry assistance, regulatory support, documentation guidelines, policy issue escalation, and business matchmaking through the global WTC network.

He said that the trade desk would also work with relevant organisations such as the chambers of commerce, trade agencies, international partners, stating that the WTC was determined to become a bridge to global opportunity.

He said the trade desk would also work with relevant organisations such as chambers of commerce, trade agencies and international partners, emphasising the determination of the WTC to become a bridge to global opportunities.

The keynote speaker, Prof Jonathan Aremu, said that Nigeria’s trade competitiveness was facing both global uncertainties and domestic barriers to growth, such as global volatility, weak oil prices and infrastructure deficits.

Aremu, a professor of International Economics Relations, said that navigating uncertainty and breaking barriers to enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness involved a multi-faceted approach from both the public and the private sector.

He said that the approaches include forming strategic partnerships, embracing digital transformation, diversification, local sourcing and regional import substitution, sequencing and negotiating Nigeria’s trade agreements and reordering the priorities of trade formulation and negotiation.

He said that the range of products or services offered in Nigeria should be expanded to help businesses reduce their reliance on any single revenue stream.

“Exploring new markets, either within Nigeria or internationally, can help businesses spread risk by targeting different customer segments or expanding into new geographical areas.

“Diversifying investments across different asset classes and currencies can help protect against inflation and currency devaluation,” he said.

Mr Kevin Oye, the President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said that the private sector plays a vital role in export competitiveness.

Represented by the Director of the Abuja Liaison Office, Mahmud Ahmed, Oye said that competitiveness could be achieved through driving product and process innovation, powering production infrastructure, strengthening supply chains, and promoting global marketing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Imo Assembly recommends special computer training programme for students
Education

Imo Assembly recommends special computer training programme for students

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By Ugonne Uzoma

The Imo House of Assembly, on Tuesday, advised Gov. Hope Uzodimma to direct the Ministry of Education to immediately introduce special computer training programme for senior secondary school (SS3) students.

The house made the call in a motion sponsored by Mr Kingsley Ozurumba, representing Isu Constituency, during its plenary session.

It also called for the special training of external students for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination (JAMB) from the state.

Moving the motion, Ozurumba identified computer illiteracy as one major challenge faced by students in rural areas, resulting in their poor performance in UTME examinations.

He blamed the development on the lack of access to computers in secondary schools in the rural areas and students’ zero computer skills.

He also said that parents and guardians were financially incapable of providing computers for their children, in addition to the problem of the lack of access and proximity to computer learning centres.

The lawmaker also said that JAMB had consistently conducted its examinations via modern technology, despite the occasional setbacks.

He said that the trend made it imperative for the Ministries of Education and Digital Economy to collaborate to quickly set up a special programme for computer technology skill training for SS3 students and external candidates for improved performance.

He recommended that the training programme be clustered, using three pilot schools in each local government, where other schools can send their pupils for training, while preparing for the exams.

Ozurumba further recommended that school principals be directed to organise themselves in their local governments to help the students access the training.

Supporting the motion, the Majority Leader, Mr Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West Constituency), said the programme would help the students to sharpen their digital skills and better equip themselves for the future.

Contributing, Mr Ugochukwu Amuchie (Aboh Mbaise), said that the proposal would provide an opportunity to ensure that computer skills are channelled in the right direction through an improved educational curriculum for the good of the children.

Amuchie also said the programme would help the candidates to excel in their examinations.

Also, Mr Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwere Constituency) said that the future of the children depended on their deep knowledge of digital technology.

Following more contributions in support of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe, ruled in favour of the prayers in the motion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

FG unveils first LCNG facility in Adamawa
Oil & Gas

FG unveils first LCNG facility in Adamawa

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By Talatu Maiwada

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, on Tuesday unveiled the first Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) facility in North-East Nigeria located in Yola.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Ekpo described the development as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s gas sector, particularly for the North-East region.

“Today’s inauguration of the first-ever Liquefied to Compressed Natural Gas (LCNG) Facility in the North-East is a powerful testament to the potential of public-private collaboration.

“The LCNG facility is a major step forward in actualising the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda,” he said.

Ekpo commended Greenville LNG for its visionary leadership and bold commitment to expanding access to clean and sustainable energy solutions.

He said the transformative project highlights the Federal Government’s unrelenting efforts to drive economic growth through gas adoption for national energy security.

The Minister said the Yola LCNG plant represents a turning point for the region, providing opportunities for energy access, job creation and business development.

“For far too long, this region has faced infrastructural challenges that have limited its full economic potential.

“Greenville LNG is not only delivering energy but delivering hope,” he stated.

Ekpo noted that the project integrates LNG and CNG distribution for use in vehicles and industrial equipment, offering cleaner and cheaper energy alternatives to diesel and petrol.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting private sector investment in the gas value chain.

In his remarks, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa said the inauguration of the LNG’s refuelling station in Yola was a strategic milestone for clean energy access and economic diversification in the North-East.

Fintiri, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, praised Greenville LNG for the strategic partnership with the people of Adamawa.

“This commissioning marks yet another significant milestone in our collective journey towards economic diversification, energy sustainability and environmental responsibility not just in Adamawa but in Nigeria.

“The establishment of the L-CNG refuelling station is not just a business venture, it is a strategic partnership with the people of Adamawa State.

“One that promises to unlock opportunities, create jobs and position our state as a hub for clean and affordable energy,” he said.

The Governor noted that the L-CNG station aligns with the state’s development agenda by supporting cheaper, cleaner fuel for public and private transport.

Fintiri emphasised that the choice of Yola for the pioneering project reflects investor confidence in the state’s stability and security, despite past challenges in the region.

The Chairman, Greenville LNG, Mr Eddy Broeke, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to actualising the Federal Government’s gas expansion initiative.

Broeke said Greenville plans to build 50 similar units across Nigeria, with completion targeted for the third quarter of 2026 with the support of President Bola Tinubu.

“My role is to bring gas infrastructure to the country, and what we have begun is the rollout of 50 of these units nationwide,” he said.

Broeke commended the Adamawa government for its partnership in expanding access to compressed natural gas (CNG) across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria requires N2.2trn to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 – Prof. Adewole
Health

Nigeria requires N2.2trn to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 – Prof. Adewole

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By Folasade Akpan

Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE), says Nigeria will require N2.2 trillion to implement comprehensive cervical cancer interventions between 2026 and 2030.

Adewole, a former Minister of Health, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN), an initiative of the NTF-CCE.

The initiative, launched at the State House by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, aims to accelerate Nigeria’s achievement of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PECCiN seeks to catalyse multi-sectoral efforts to prevent, screen, and treat cervical cancer through sustained coordination, resource mobilisation, and scale-up of service delivery.

According to Adewole, the interventions are grouped into three categories: primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary treatment.

He explained that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme will be delivered through fixed sessions at health facilities and outreach-based immunisation campaigns.

“The total direct implementation cost over the five years is estimated at N387.52 billion.

“Including administrative and supervisory costs, the total cost of HPV vaccination will amount to N426.28 billion,” he said.

He said cervical cancer screening over the same period is estimated to cost N351 billion, targeting 14.4 million women.

On tertiary treatment, Adewole noted that nearly 300,000 women will require care for invasive cervical cancer between 2026 and 2030.

“The country is projected to spend approximately N1.42 trillion on treatment, with the cost per patient dropping from N8.7 million in 2026 to N4.1 million by 2030,” he added.

In spite of other competing priorities, he urged investment in cervical cancer elimination due to its high return on investment.

“We seek your commitment and support to implement robust cervical cancer elimination interventions in Nigeria.

“This will ensure that every woman is financially protected throughout her life and no eligible adolescent is left behind in HPV vaccination.”

Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the Federal Government launched the HPV vaccine campaign on Oct. 24, 2023, targeting girls aged 9 to 14.

He announced that 14 million girls had already received the vaccine.

“This milestone is unprecedented globally and was achieved through strong leadership from President Bola Tinubu, the support of the First Lady, and collaboration across ministries and communities.

“The media also played a key role in spreading awareness and engaging civil society.”

Aina reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the programme, stating that the HPV vaccine has been incorporated into the routine immunisation schedule and that primary healthcare centres are being revitalised to support service delivery.

Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described cervical cancer as a serious burden affecting mothers, sisters, caregivers, and peers across communities.

He said the growing burden prompted the development of the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer (2023–2037).

“This plan, reflecting best practices and local realities, serves as our national roadmap for cervical cancer elimination,” he said.

Aliyu added that NICRAT has constituted a national taskforce comprising experts and stakeholders to drive implementation.

He also highlighted efforts to promote innovative research, harmonise treatment protocols, and expand culturally sensitive awareness and screening campaigns.

The event featured the presentation of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan and the unveiling of the PECCiN partnership logo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Alaafin of Oyo visits Oluwo, calls for unity
Culture & Tourism

Alaafin of Oyo visits Oluwo, calls for unity

246 total views today
By Victor Adeoti
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, on Tuesday visited the Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanni, and called for continued relationship between the two towns.
Owoade, accompanied by his wife, Abiwumi, and other chiefs, said that he came to the town to thank the Oluwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.
The traditional ruler also said that Oluwo called to congratulate him when his name was announced as the Alaafin-elect.
“I came to see Oluwo because he was at my coronation ceremony in April.
“Even when my name was mentioned as Alaafin-elect, Oluwo called to congratulate me.
“It is also good to come around to pay him a courtesy visit,” he said.
The Alaafin, who noted that Oyo and Iwo had been enjoying good relationship for years, said that he also came to Iwo to ensure that the relationship continued.
Owoade, who spoke in Yoruba, said that his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had a good relationship with Iwo, hence, the relationship should be sustained.
“Iwo and Oyo have been enjoying good relationship for years, even with my predecessor and I want that relationship to continue,” he said.
Owoade urged other traditional rulers in Iwo to continue to work with Oluwo with an open mind.
He said they should also continue to support and cooperate with the traditional ruler for the development of the town.
In his remarks, Oba Akanbi thanked Alaafin for the visit, adding that it will boost the relationship between the two towns.
Oluwo, who described the Alaafin title as supreme to all other traditional titles in Yorubaland, said that the title was originally for Oduduwa descendants.
“I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin.
“Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title that Oramiyan adopted and I will also adopt the saying.
“Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alaafin of Iwo and we will inform government about it,” he said.
Akanbi also said that with the humility and exposure of the Alaafin, Oyo would witness peace and unprecedented development.
According to him, the existing good relationship between the town will continue to flourish.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Owoade was crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo in April 2025 as the successor to the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi
Nigeria, UNICEF to train 20m youth on digital skills
Science & Tech

Nigeria, UNICEF to train 20m youth on digital skills

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government is partnering with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to train 20 million young Nigerians on digital skills by 2030.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed this at a meeting with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting was also attended by the UNICEF Deputy Representative, Dr Rownak Khan and the Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere.

Shettima said that Nigeria presents both a challenge and an opportunity with its rapidly growing population, currently estimated at over 230 million and an average age of 17.

He accepted to chair the board of Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), a public-private-youth partnership platform.

GenU 9JA is constituted to help young Nigerians between the ages of 10 and 24 transition from learning to earning through digital connectivity.

Shettima said: “It is an honour for me to serve as the Chairman of Generation Unlimited, GenU 9JA.

“This platform provides a vista of opportunities for our young people. Beyond rhetorics, if we want to survive and thrive, we must empower our youth through digital means.”

He said that GenU 9JA initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda of inclusive development, digital innovation, and youth empowerment.

Shettima pointed out that Nigeria is not seeking handouts but sustainable, equitable partnerships.

“We are not looking for charity. We want a mutually beneficial relationship; one based on respect and shared interests.

“This is why I’m very passionate about the digital initiative.

“Beyond leadership in our enlightened self-interest, if we want to live in this part of the world, we have to involve them, we have to empower them,” he said.

Shettima described the initiative as a beautiful programme that would enable Nigerian youths trade their skills in the global market.

“The digital space gives us the easiest window to get the youth engaged effortlessly.

“They can trade their skills in the global market. I know of a lot of young Nigerians who are working for global firms from the comfort of their homes,” he added.

Earlier, Fall noted that the GenU 9JA platform was central to addressing youth unemployment, educational inequality, and digital exclusion.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, youth-focused initiatives—skills, digital access, and employment—are critical. And GenU is helping to drive those priorities,” Fall said.

Also, Khan said that GenU 9JA is one of UNICEF’s most successful global youth empowerment programmes, saying Nigeria has been a model in this effort.

“We’ve seen incredible results from Nigeria. Few countries globally have recorded the level of youth impact that GenU 9JA has achieved,” she said.

Khan explained that the programme was built on three pillars; digital connectivity, pathways from learning to earning, and youth engagement and empowerment.

She said that all the pillars were designed to prepare Nigerian youths for current job markets.

On her part, Lafoucriere noted that since its launch in 2022, GenU 9JA has impacted over 10 million young people, with 1,500 job linkages already secured.

“To reach our target of 20 million youths by 2030, we must now strengthen coordination among partners and align even more closely with national policy,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members
General News

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members

586 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of N44,000 minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The commencement of the payment fulfills an earlier promise tied to the recent upward review of corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

The payment applies to those who completed their service before the new allowance took effect earlier this year.

Former corps members have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm receipt of the payment, expressing their gratitude and relief.

One user, @Kingpin_black1, posted: ”Thank you NYSC. Thank you President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.”

Another user @pharmacist_shezzy shared: ”44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬.”

Similarly, @ifeoluwa_X wrote: ”Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you FG.”

The payment, widely seen as a fulfillment of the government’s earlier pledge, has sparked excitement online, with many praising the move as a sign of renewed trust and accountability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

FG dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure
Water Resources

FG dismisses claims linking Mokwa flood to dam failure

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By Akpan Glory

The Federal Government has refuted claims that the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger, was caused by the release or failure of water from nearby dams.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said both the Kainji and Jebba dams remain structurally sound and fully operational.

”It is important to clarify that the flooding in Mokwa was not the result of any water release from the Kainji or Jebba dams.

”Both facilities are intact and pose no risk to surrounding communities,” the minister stated.

Utsev expressed the federal government’s sympathy to the Government and people of Niger, especially the communities affected by the disaster, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 29.

He commended the swift response of the state government, local authorities, and first responders for providing relief to victims.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the minister, the flooding was largely due to heavy rainfall associated with extreme weather conditions driven by climate change, which overwhelmed the town’s drainage infrastructure.

He explained that unregulated building activities and encroachments blocked a seasonal tributary of River Dingi, which normally remained dry except during periods of heavy rainfall.

According to him, the absence of efficient alternative drainage channels worsened the situation.

The minister also recalled that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under the ministry, had warned of potential flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area as part of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released on April 10.

”The AFO identified 1,249 communities across 176 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as high flood-risk zones. An additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs were listed as moderate risk.

”The high-risk states include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara,” he said.

He reiterated earlier warnings, urging state and local governments to improve drainage, relocate at-risk communities, raise public awareness, and enforce land-use laws.

He also encouraged stakeholders to consult NIHSA’s online flood forecast dashboard for detailed, location-specific risk information to aid proactive planning and disaster mitigation.

Utsev described the Mokwa flood as a stark reminder of the increasing impact of climate change, which continues to manifest in more frequent and intense weather events nationwide.

”As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to managing Nigeria’s water resources sustainably and building climate-resilient systems.

”We call on all sectors, government, private, civil society, and communities to work together in building safer and more resilient environments,” he said.

He added that technical personnel from the ministry, NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) were already on site in Mokwa conducting a thorough assessment to guide future interventions.

While expressing the government’s condolences, the minister noted that flooding is not just a natural event but a developmental issue requiring coordinated and sustained response.

According to data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 200 people lost their lives and around 500 remain missing following the floods in Mokwa on May 29.

NEMA also reported that at least 121 individuals sustained injuries, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced.

The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall destroyed over 265 homes, as well as key roads and bridges.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged federal assistance and activated the National Emergency Response Centre to coordinate ongoing recovery efforts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

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