House committee vows to investigate root causes, strengthen early warning systems, and chart sustainable solutions as floods wreak havoc nationwide
The House of Representatives has declared flooding a national emergency and stressed the urgent need for a coordinated and strategic response to tackle the menace, which has displaced thousands and destroyed property worth millions across Nigeria.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, said recent flood incidents have “brought untold hardship to communities, destroyed livelihoods, and undermined development efforts,” noting that the parliament remains committed to deploying legislative frameworks that will mitigate the devastating impact of natural disasters.
He emphasized that the ad hoc committee on flood management and response was established in recognition of the rising frequency and severity of floods nationwide. According to him, flooding is not just an environmental problem but also an economic, social, and humanitarian challenge that demands deliberate and well-coordinated responses. “Every year, thousands of families are displaced, farmlands are submerged, and critical infrastructure is washed away. These tragedies demand preventive strategies, not just reactive measures,” Abbas said. He further tasked the committee to identify both immediate and long-term interventions, plug legislative gaps, and foster inter-agency collaboration.
At the panel’s inaugural meeting in Abuja on Monday, Midala Balami, chairman of the ad hoc committee, reiterated that flooding has become a recurring disaster with devastating consequences for lives and livelihoods. He described the situation as “no longer a seasonal inconvenience but a national emergency.”
Balami said the committee’s mandate covers investigating the root causes of flooding, assessing the preparedness of relevant agencies, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and recommending sustainable measures to mitigate the crisis. “What we need is a comprehensive national framework that encompasses prevention, early warning systems, emergency response, community resilience, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation strategies,” he said.
He added that the committee would engage directly with flood victims, consult experts, and produce a report that provides a blueprint for lasting solutions.
Lawmakers also emphasized that effective flood management requires close collaboration between federal, state, and local government agencies. By drawing on scientific data, community experiences, and expert knowledge, the House aims to strengthen national resilience against the recurring menace. The committee pledged to work diligently, transparently, and collaboratively to ensure that Nigeria moves from reactive disaster management to proactive and preventive strategies.
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