The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee on Flood Management and Response.
The speaker of the House, Mr. Tajuddeen Abbas, who inaugurated the committee, said that it was a critical step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges confronting Nigeria today.
Represented by the House Leader Mr. Julius Ihonvbere, the Speaker said that flooding has in recent years brought untold hardship to communities, destroyed livelihoods, and undermined development efforts across many parts of Nigeria.
” Honourable colleagues and distinguished guests, the 10th House of Representatives is committed to addressing any matter that bothers Nigerians. We are equally committed to deploying legislative frameworks that will help mitigate the devastating effects of natural disasters within our land. Our duty as lawmakers extends beyond enacting laws to anticipating challenges, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that government responses meet the needs of the people.
” This Ad-hoc Committee has been established in recognition of the rising frequency and severity of floods across the country which has caused a lot of damages to many our fellow citizens, including loss of lives and property. We cannot afford to treat this matter with levity. The House expects this committee to identify both the immediate and long-term measures required to prevent loss of lives and property, while recommending a clear roadmap for national preparedness and resilience.
” Flooding goes beyond being a mere environmental issue but is also an economic, social, and humanitarian challenge. Every year, thousands of families are displaced, farmlands are submerged, and critical infrastructure is washed away. These tragedies demand deliberate and well-coordinated responses. The work of this committee must, therefore, draw from scientific data, community experiences, and the knowledge of relevant experts, so that our nation can move from reactive to preventive strategies”. Mr. Abbas said.
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He also called on the committee to ensure an inter-agency collaboration with relevant stallholders because flood management requires the concerted involvement of emergency agencies, ministries of environment, water resources, health, works, and housing, state and local governments as well as the Nigeria’s Space Agency that will help with provision of satellite imagery for properly mapping.
” Working with these relevant stakeholders will ensure a holistic, coordinated, and sustainable response in handling of this menace.
” Furthermore, the committee should pay special attention to the legislative gaps that may hinder effective flood response in Nigeria. Where our existing laws are weak, outdated, or insufficient, it is your duty to highlight them. This will enable the House to act promptly in strengthening our legal framework so that our people are adequately protected from recurring disasters”. He added.
The Chairman House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee On Flood Management and Response, Mr. Midala Balami, noted that the inauguration is not just a ceremonial beginning but a clarion call to duty.
” As we are all aware, flooding has become a recurring and devastating challenge across many parts of our country. Each year, lives are lost, properties destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and the socio-economic fabric of entire communities severely affected. This is no longer a seasonal inconvenience, it is a national emergency that demands urgent, coordinated, and strategic action.
” The establishment of this Ad-hoc Committee reflects the commitment of the 10th House of Representatives to addressing this crisis head-on. Our mandate is clear: to investigate the root causes, assess the preparedness and response mechanisms of relevant agencies, engage stakeholders at all levels, and recommend sustainable and actionable measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across Nigeria.
” We understand the weight of this task. But we are equally driven by the urgency to make a difference. We shall work diligently, collaboratively, and transparently. We will listen to the voices of affected communities, interface with experts, and ensure that our final report provides a blueprint for lasting solutions”. Mr. Balami said.
He assured his colleagues and stakeholders that the time for piecemeal approaches to flood disasters is over.
” What we need is a comprehensive national framework—one that encompasses prevention, early warning systems, emergency response, community resilience, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation strategies.
” As we commence this journey today, we seek the support of all arms of government, civil society, the private sector, international partners, and most importantly, the Nigerian people” He added.
The Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Tanko Sununu on his good will message raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening humanitarian crisis, stating that more than 3 million people remain internally displaced as a result of flooding, insecurity, and other natural disasters.
He warned that millions of citizens risk sliding deeper into hunger and malnutrition as global aid funding dwindles.
The Minister said that the combined effects of natural disasters, insecurity, and shrinking donor support have created a “critical humanitarian challenge” for the NIgeria.
“Globally, humanitarian funding is shrinking, and Nigeria is not exempt,” the minister stated.
“Just a few days ago, the World Food Programme suspended some of its activities, which had supported more than 1.2 million Nigerians with emergency transfers in the North-East. This leaves over 300,000 children at risk of malnutrition, while more than 200,000 are already receiving treatment.”
There were also good will messages from NIMET, Ministry of Environment, Health and other agencies.