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General News

Flood: FG orders integrity test on all dams

Worried by worsening incidents of devastating floods across the country, the Federal Government has ordered an integrity test on all dams in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu announced this on Tuesday in the National Broadcast to mark the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

He said the measure is aimed at averting future disasters.

Tinubu particularly expressed deep concern over the flood that destroyed lives and properties in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, and promised to ensure that there was no repeat of such.

“Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country.

“After Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that this federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble.

“At the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to mobilise private and public sector funds to help us respond faster to emergencies.

“Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters,” he said.

Tinubu also emphasised the need for Nigerians to support government efforts and policies targeted at improving living conditions.

He also spoke on current reforms aimed at improving the nation’s economy.

“What we are doing is to retool our economy to serve us better.

“We are also looking at more sustainably.

“If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.

“Thanks to the reforms, our country has attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.

“We are committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes.

“This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

General News

FG approves 14 road construction in flood affected states

By Salif Atojoko

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the construction of 14 roads and bridges, which were badly affected by floods, in Ekiti, Adamawa, Kebbi and Enugu States.

Works Minister David Umahi said this while addressing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting.

He said the others are in Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo States.

He said the roads were awarded, in addition to a contract for the repair and rehabilitation of Gamboru Bridge along Gambor-Ngala/Kala-Balge road in Borno.

The minister said FEC also approved a new contract for the rehabilitation of Maraban-Kankara/Funtua road in Katsina State and construction of 258 kilometer three-lane carriageway, a component of the 1,000 Sokoto/Badagry Super-highway, Section 2, Phase 2A.

Likewise, he said FEC approved the contract for the construction and dualisation of Afikpo-Uturu-Okigwe road in Ebonyi, Abia and Imo States (Section 2).

He said FEC similarly approved the contract for Bodo-Bonny road in Rivers, to be executed by Julius Berger.

“FEC approved additional N80 billion to complete that project, bringing the total cost to N280 billion.

“The next is the Third Mainland Bridge, which was executed under emergency work,” he said.

He said at the time the present government assumed office, the Third Mainland Bridge was a nightmare.

“The deck had pavement differential of over one foot; that was causing a lot of accidents and hold up, and constituting dead load to the Third Mainland Bridge.

“So, that has been done and it also extended to Falamo and Queens Drive. It came with solar light, CCTV cameras and relief stations, to eliminate road blockage,” he said.

He explained that when he came on board, Julius Berger sought to review the entire projects.

“Don’t forget that the initial cost of the projects was N155 billion and the past administration reviewed it to N797 billion.

“Berger insisted that the reviewed contract sum should to N1.5 trillion. We didn’t have that money and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and myself went through the road and had strategic meeting with Berger,” said Umahi.

He said he eventually sought the approval of the President to break the projects into three so that two sections could be done on tax credit and Julius Berger could do one.

“So, the first section is 38 kilometer, it has not been brought to Council. It’s to be done with on concrete.

“The second section is to be done by Berger and that is 82 kilometers by two, and it’s to be done with asphalt that they have been working with and the third section is, which is just 17 kilometers is to be done on concrete,” he said.

He said FEC approved that of Julius Berger for a total contract sum of N740 billion. However, he said the other two were not presented for approval.

“If you remove approximately N400 billion paid by the last administration, then what is left is about N340 billion. That is what the contract sum for the 164 kilometer will be and that’s what FEC approved today,” Umahi said.

The minister said the service lane on Lekki Deep Seaport road was approved for construction by FEC.

Lastly, he said he discovered that over 3,000 of fuel trucks queuing to the lift fuel at Dangote Refinery were all parked on the newly constructed Lekki-Calabar coastal highway.

“Technically and by design, the roads were never built for static loads, and so it has a lot of effects,” he said.

He said FEC approved that the Federal Government land in the area should be concessioned , so that concessioners could build a park.

“It’s a park that will be tolled, so that all the trucks can safely parked over there and the pavement of such a park is quite different from the pavement of the road,” said Umahi. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Environment

FG seeks collective action against flood, river pollution

By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has advocated collective action to protect the Nigeria’s water bodies from pollution and flooding.

Utsev said this on Monday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Rivers Day, with the theme: “Protect Our Rivers from Pollution”.

World Rivers Day is being celebrated globally to raise awareness about the importance of rivers.

This year’s observance in Nigeria serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect the country’s water bodies. 

Utsev underscored the role rivers play in the water cycle, economy, ecosystem and sustainable development.

“Our rivers are lifelines for communities, ecosystems, and economies across Nigeria, it is our collective responsibility to prevent pollution, flooding, and other threats that endanger these vital resources.

“Protecting our rivers require a collective effort. Let us all work together to prevent pollution and flooding so that future generations can benefit from these priceless resources,” he said.

He noted that this year’s celebration was subdued due to the devastating Maiduguri flood which caused significant damage in Borno.

Utsev recalled that the Sept. 10 flood claimed lives and destroyed properties, prompting his ministry to assess the Alau Dam to prevent future disasters.

“As we commemorate World Rivers Day, we also stand in solidarity with the people of Borno State.

“We are working closely with the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to monitor water levels across the country and ensure that such incidents do not reoccur,” he said.

Utsev stressed the importance of flood preparedness, particularly in states along the Benue River, such as Adamawa, Taraba and Benue.

He urged state governments to remain vigilant, clear drains and relocate residents from flood-prone areas.

The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protect Nigeria’s rivers from pollution, urging stakeholders to view rivers as “living entities” deserving of legal rights and protections.

He enjoined Nigerians to safeguard rivers from harmful practices such as dumping of waste and overuse.

“We must extend these protections to our watersheds and basins, recognising that clean and healthy rivers are fundamental to our survival,” Utsev added.

Also, Dr Bello Goronyo, his state counterpart, noted the role of rivers and dams in sustaining life and supporting national development.

He stressed that protecting rivers was crucial to maintaining dam infrastructure, which supports water supply, irrigation, and hydro-power generation.

Goronyo warned against harmful river activities that jeopardise dam safety and water resources.

While calling for collaboration between the government, stakeholders and the media to enhance public awareness and prevent misinformation about dam safety, Goronyo stressed the need for support to enhance sustainable water management.

The event attended by representatives of the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission and NIHSA, featured symbolic tree planting and river clearing at the Jabi Lake, FCT, Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

FG urges downstream states to activate flood control measures

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government has called on downstream states of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon to activate flood control measures to avoid loss of lives and properties.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, gave the advice in Abuja on Wednesday at a news conference on earth tremor in Mpape, FCT and flood risks in some states of the federation.

The minister recalled the opening of the Cameroonian Lagdo Dam, saying that the overflowing of the dam affected about 137 hectares of land between July 1 and 31.

“Between August and September, a sharp increase was observed, with the overflow affecting 2,053 hectares by the end of August, and reaching staggering 18,737 hectares by mid-September.

“These satellite images indicate a significant and escalating flood risk and we advise downstream states, including Kogi, Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa, to activate all necessary flood control measures.

“We will continue monitoring activities across the country and provide regular updates.”

Nnaji said series of earth tremor occured in Mpape area of the FCT on Sept.16, saying that the tremor would have occurred due to seismic activities but Mpape area was located on a fault lines.

He stated that there were foreshocks and aftershocks of the tremor, with local magnitudes of 2.4 and 2.2, respectively.

“The foreshocks may have occurred as a result of gradual strain withdrawal, which led to the total strain failure that caused the main event.

“This also reinforces earlier assertions of the reactivation of faults within the locality.

“The government is currently processing and analysing comprehensive datasets from its Seismological and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations to provide relevant recommendations to the FCT Administration.

“We urge the residents of Mpape, and by extension the wider Abuja area, to remain calm and continue their normal activities,” minister said.

According to him, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is closely monitoring the situation and will soon implement measures to mitigate the seismic risks.

The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, said space science and technology had the capacity of providing the necessary information needed to addressing natural disaster.

Adepoju said that residents should not be panic, adding that the government was making efforts to mitigate serious consequences of such occurrence.

“When it happened in 2018, the Federal Government constituted a committee and we got intervention from Federal Government to set up seismic and GNSS stations around the country.

“We are calling the attention of the public that we are monitoring because we have our equipment there and if the situation gets to an alarming rate, the government will not hesitate to do the needful.

“The government can evacuate people if need be but what we have in that axis has not gotten to that level at all,” he said.

He said that government had few seismic and GNSS stations across the country, hoping on more funding to cite more stations so as to develop early warning mechanisms.

He urged the FCT Administration to continue to reduce drilling and mining activities in Mpape area so as not to aggravate seismic activities along the fault lines because human activities have a way of impacting it. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Environment

Sen. Banigo sympathises with Borno flood victims, seeks more intervention

By Kingsley Okoye

Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Secondary and Tertiary Health, has commiserated with the victims of Borno flood disaster, saying that the devastation has disrupted socio-economic activities of the State.

Banigo said this on Wednesday, while expressing worry that the already pressured Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in most communities in North-East, especially Borno, had been affected by the impact of the flooding.

“I urge the relevant health bodies to quickly intervene, to checkmate the spread of water-borne diseases,” she said.

According to Banigo, the intervention of the Federal Government is timely, going by the visit of President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shetima, as well as other prominent Nigerians.

She said that the flood had continued to reveal the adverse effects of climate change.

Banigo, who expressed satisfaction with the quick intervention of the state governor, Babagana Zulum and NEMA in mitigating the impact of the flood, called for effective and adequate delivery of relief materials and palliatives to the affected people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recent flooding in Borno submerged several residential homes, displacing tens of thousands of residents and causing animals in the zoo to escape into the streets.

No fewer than 30 lives have been lost following the incident, with over one million people affected, while the United Nations puts the total number of displaced persons at 414,000.

The incident was caused by last week’s collapse of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River in the state.

Expressing concern over the health implications of the disaster, especially on women and children, Banigo said the development could lead to the escalation in the spread of diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases.

Banigo, who called for quicker preventive measures, also said that the development heightened the rate of infant and maternal mortality.

“While I deeply sympathise with the victims of the disastrous flooding, I profoundly thank Gov. Babagana Zulum for demonstrating leadership by ensuring the safe evacuation of victims.

“It is also my appeal that health agencies should mobilise to affected areas and provide the needed assistance so that the health hazards of flooding will be brought to the barest minimum,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

General News

Southern Borno communities donate N200m to Maiduguri flood victims

By Yakubu Uba

The people of Borno South Senatorial District have donated N200 million to the state government to support victims of Maiduguri flood disaster.

The representatives of the zone comprising nine local government areas led by Sen. Ali Ndume and the state deputy governor, Umar Kadafur, announced the donation on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

Ndume, who spoke during a sympathy visit to Gov. Babagana Zulum, said the gesture was in response to the call to assist the victims of the disaster.

He said the money was generated from contributions by the people from the zone at home and in the diaspora.

Also speaking, Kadafur, who presented the N200 million cheque to the governor, lauded all the contributors for their generosity and act of brotherhood.

“We are here not only to sympathise with you but to present a cheque of N200 million to the State Government Flood Basket Fund.

“We want to assure you that you are not alone as the people of Southern Borno are strongly behind you in this trying moment.

“More donations from southern Borno are still being expected,” he said.

Responding, Zulum expressed appreciation for the gesture and show of concern from the people of southern Borno.

The governor urged for sustained unity among the diverse people of the state for meaningful development.

The delegation also visited the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai El-Kanemi, whose palace was affected, where it presented N10m support to the royal father.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of Borno House of Assembly also donated N60 million to support flood victims. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Environment

Floods: FG alerts states, confirms Alau Dam intact

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has assured the public that the Alau Dam in Borno did not collapse during recent flooding, attributing the overflow to climate change and excessive rainfall.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, extended the government’s condolences to the people of Borno State during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.

The minister noted that earlier this year, a flood risk warning identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas.

He said a team of technical experts from the ministry, various agencies, and the Chad Basin Development Authority were currently assessing the damage and working on solutions.

Utsev warned residents about the risks of contaminated water and the potential for waterborne diseases.

He also warned the increasing threat of river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging all regions to stay vigilant and take proactive measures.

He mentioned the President’s approval of N108 billion for flood prevention across the 36 states, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster Prevention.

Utsev urged state governments and stakeholders to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions to reduce future flooding.

The minister pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting affected communities, saying technical teams were assessing dams nationwide and planning upgrades.

“Government officials confirmed that climate change has intensified rainfall, leading to excess water that many dams are struggling to manage.

“When this administration began, we immediately initiated studies and designs for the rehabilitation of existing dams, including Alau.

“The dam didn’t collapse, but it struggled to handle the excess water from nearby tributaries, causing overflow into surrounding areas”.

He added that long-term solutions were underway, with budgetary allocations for 2024 and 2025 specifically targeting dam rehabilitation.

“As temperatures rise, we expect increased rainfall, leading to higher water volumes in our rivers and channels.

“Proactive measures are crucial to preventing future escalations,”Utsev said.

Alhaji Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, urged the media to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive issues.

He stressed that misinformation and disinformation posed a threat to the nation, and urged greater collaboration to enhance the well-being of citizens

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, have been displaced by flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam.

The flood had submerged residential areas, roads, and bridges, making parts of the city inaccessible.

Maiduguri is experiencing its worst flooding in 30 years, with homes underwater, schools closed, and businesses paralysed, as residents evacuate with their belongings. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

Flood: Lead efforts in rebuilding Maiduguri, Zorro urges media

By Aminu Garko

Alhaji Sani Zorro, a former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has appealed to the media to lead the efforts in rebuilding Maiduguri after the city’s devastation by flood.

 

Zorro made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.

 

He said this was imperative given the critical importance of the media in mobilising support from corporate organisations and wealthy individuals in times of need.

 

Zorro, a former Chairman of the House Committee on IDPs, Migrants, Refugees and FG Initiative on the North East Zone, described the flood’s impact as “unfortunate.”

 

He expressed sadness over the incident caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, noting this had affected more than 239,000 people.

 

Describing the disaster as the worst in over 30 years, he said it had caused untold trauma to residents of Maiduguri.

 

Zorro underscored the severity of the disaster, noting that 40 per cent of farmlands in Maiduguri had been submerged and thereby exacerbating food insecurity.

 

He stressed the need for the media to highlight the victims’ plight in order to facilitate relief and rehabilitation for them.

 

The former lawmaker also urged all stakeholders to unite in providing necessary support to alleviate the sufferings of victims.

 

Zorro further emphasised the urgent need to promptly provide victims with shelter, food and non-food items, educational materials,WASH facilities and drugs.(NAN) (www nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Environment , Metro

Flood: NEMA raises alert of possible hazards in 7 states

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to prepare for potential floods that would soon affect downstream communities.

The states, according to NEMA, include Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in a statement by the Head of Press Unit, Mr Manzo Ezekiel, in Abuja.

She said that the alert followed the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

“The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding.

“It is also important to avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.

“Such areas have suffered misfortune including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures,” Umar said.

She listed some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

The D-G advised communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” she said.

Umar said that NEMA was working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, were available to affected communities.

She said that the  collaboration with  relevant  stakeholders was through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the agency’s headquarters.

She emphasised the importance of early action and community vigilance.

“We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“Preparedness is key to reducing the impact of flooding,” Umar said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

General News

FG tasks contractors to ensure quality works

By Olaide Ayinde

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi has urged contractors handling Federal Government’s projects to ensure quality work to fast track sustainable infrastructure development in the country.

Umahi stated this during an inspection of the failed sections of Kano-Maiduguri expressway, on Thursday in Azare, Bauchi State.

He said the federal government would redesigned the project to provide quality and durable road.

“We will redesign the project, and work will start immediately,

“We will provide five relief culverts and put retaining walls on both sides with an 8 inch concrete and nothing will happen when we finish it,” he said.

The minister lamented that the stone base used on the road was not good, warning that the ministry would not condone poor work by contractors.

“No contractor is allowed to do bad work for the federal government. We will not accept bad work.

“The ministry of works should be very careful in the supervision of work,” he said.

Umahi inspects Kano-Maiduguri expressway cut-off by flood in Azare, Bauchi State

According to Umahi, the federal government is terminating contract for the Section 1 of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway between Kano and Dutse.

The project, he said, has been awarded in the last 17 years without completion.

Umahi further said that President Bola Tinubu directed him to inspect failed sections of the road cut-off by flood in Bauchi and Jigawa.

“We are here to make sure that the roads are completely rehabilitated, and we have brought new designs that will tackle the problems once and for all.

“The president is very committed to solving most of the plight of the people, especially as regards to roads because he knows the economic importance of the roads to the economic growth in the country, especially in the Northeast,” he said.

He commended Gov. Bala Mohammed for the palliative work on the road, designed to provide access road and ease movement of goods and services.

Bauchi

Umahi inspects Kano-Bauchi road cut-off by flood in Balbaldu, Jigawa

Also speaking, Mohammed lauded President Tinubu for the prompt intervention to repair the roads.

The governor pledged continued support to the federal government’s policies and programmes.

On his part, Mr Bashir Adamu, the Federal Controller of Works, Bauchi State, said the flood cut-off sections of the roads in different locations of the Kano-Maidiguri expressway.

He listed the affected sections to include Jama’are-Azare; Azare-Shira-Yana, Azare-Misau, and Bauchi-Ningi-Babaldu.

“The contractor Messrs Mothercat Nigeria Ltd, who constructed the road initially and handed over on Aug. 18, 2023, who happened to be in Azare town has already provided accesss road on one lane.

“The road is memorable and open to traffic,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali