The senate has asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the immediate dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue, as part of preventive methods against flooding and facilitate its inclusion into the 2025 budget.
The Upper legislative chamber adopted the resolution following a motion moved by Sen. Amos Yohanna on the urgent need for intervention in the Humanitarian crisis caused by Flooding in Adamawa North Senatorial district.
It would be recalled that in 2024, the Senate had at an emergency session equally resolved to facilitate the inclusion of the dredging of River Benue, River Niger, and other river projects in the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The plan was expected to help combat recurring flooding and its effects around the country.
In his lead debate Sen. Yohanna noted that there was massive flooding that caused catastrophic destruction in the Five Local Governments of Adamawa North Senatorial District, namely; Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North and Mubi South which destroyed hundreds of houses and farmlands.
This screenshot shows the aerial view of houses submerged under water in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024. Credit: Chima Onwe/UNOCHA
The lawmakers further resolved to direct the National Emergency Management Agency to as a matter of urgent priority reach out to the affected communities and provide relief materials to the victims.
