The House of Representatives on Tuesday tasked the Federal Government on the need to necessary measures in place to avert another flood disaster sequel to the opening of the Lagdo dam, situated in northern Cameroon.
The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the ‘Need to investigate the recurrent flooding due to the opening of the Lagdo Dam, sponsored by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda who solicited for the House intervention.
In his lead debate, Chinda underscored the need for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), henceforth enhance early warning systems and improve evacuation and relief efforts for communities in flood-prone areas prior to the event.
He said: “The House is concerned that the Lagdo Dam, located on the Benue River in northern Cameroon, was built in 1982 primarily for irrigation and electricity generation.
“Every year, during the rainy season, the dam operators in Cameroon release excess water to prevent overflow, which inevitably flows downstream into Nigeria, causing significant flooding in states along the river, including Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and beyond.
“The House is disturbed by the recurrent loss of lives, displacement of communities, destruction of farmlands, livestock, and homes, and damage to critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, as a result of this flooding.
“The House is mindful that despite early warnings by the Nigerian authorities about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam, many communities remain unprepared and are left vulnerable to the devastating impacts of the floods.
“The House is aware that while the construction of a buffer dam, the proposed Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, was agreed upon in principle between Nigeria and Cameroon to help contain the excess water from the Lagdo Dam, this project has remained stalled for years due to funding and bureaucratic delays.
“The House recognizing the urgent need for the Federal Government to develop long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of the annual flooding and to protect vulnerable communities along the River Benue and Niger Basins.
“The House is worried that unless swift actions are taken to engage relevant stakeholders, both within and outside Nigeria, to mitigate these annual disasters and to provide lasting solutions for affected communities, the situation will persist annually with each year worse than the former, thus diminishing the confidence of the people in the leaders.”
After the adoption of the motion, the House mandated Nigerian /Cameroon Friendship Group to investigate the Nigerian/Cameroon arrangement/agreement on the Lagdo dam and mitigation measures therein and advise the House within two weeks for further legislative action.
To this end, the House mandated Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Federal Ministry of Works to expedite the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, which will act as a buffer and help to absorb excess water released from the Lagdo Dam and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas.
In the same vein, the House urged National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), henceforth enhance early warning systems and improve evacuation and relief efforts for communities in flood-prone areas prior to the event.
The House also directed Federal Ministry of Environment to undertake a comprehensive study of the impact of climate change and the Lagdo Dam’s annual release on Nigeria’s riverine communities, and to develop an actionable flood management plan to protect lives and properties.
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