By Mohammed Baba Busu
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission has commended the Federal Government for setting aside N3 billion to ameliorate the plight of flood victims in Niger and Kebbi states.
The commission also symphathised with the farmers in Argungu Local Government Area and other parts of Kebbi and Niger States whose farm produce were destroyed in recent flood disasters.
The Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, described the incidence as a very sad development, capable of affecting the country’s drive to enhance sustainability and food security.
Sadiq-Yelwa, who spoke through the commission’s Head of Press and Public Affairs,
Nura Tanko-Wakili and made available to newsmen on Monday in Minna, urged farmers to apply caution in their farming activities.
Sadiq-Yelwa noted with concern the effects of the situation on the livelihoods of the affected communities.
The commission had earlier embarked on sensitisation campaigns through the mass media and advocacy visits which minimised the impact of the flood in riverine settlements.
In spite of the measure, farmlands, especially on the flood plains, could not escape the natural disaster.
The commission therefore, emphasised the need for strict adherence to safety measures by the affected communities.
He said predictions by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) of rising water levels on the rivers Rima and Niger as well as a report of another rising water level on River Niger system by Niger Basin Authority (NBA), in Niamey Niger Republic, posed a serious threat of more floods in days to come.
The situation, which is reported to be an update of a similar one in Niamey, was informed by upstream activities in both Niger and Mali flood waters, expected to move gradually into Nigeria through Kebbi State.
“The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) however continues to monitor the flood situation in the country and provide periodic updates to the general public accordingly,
“N=HYPPADEC urges communities to be vigilant, listene to updates on radio and television stations and abide by instructions from relevant authorities on safety measures” he added.
NAN
