Senators Push for Lasting Fix to Niger Flood Issues

Northern senators have urged the Federal Government and Niger State to find a lasting solution to the ongoing flooding in Shiroro Local Government Area. They warned that depending only on emergency relief makes communities vulnerable to repeated disasters.

The senators, through the Northern Senators’ Forum, made this request on Wednesday in a statement signed by their Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who represents Katsina Central.

They called for creating and implementing a Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan. This plan should provide a coordinated, long-term answer to the flooding problem in that area.

According to the senators, the new master plan must include a scientific flood-buffer strategy for the Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba dams. It should also have a permanent flood forecasting and early-warning system, supported by trained local volunteers downstream.

They emphasized the need for a comprehensive floodplain resettlement program. This program would offer planned settlements, compensation, and livelihood support to people living in flood-prone areas.

The lawmakers also demanded an independent technical review of dam operations, reservoir capacity, and spillway performance, especially considering changing climate conditions. They believe this review will help manage water releases from the dams in a way that lowers flooding risks downstream while meeting the operational needs of the dams.

The senators stated that the recurring flooding in Shiroro and other river communities “requires a shift from reactive emergency interventions to long-term planning and preventive measures.”

They praised the National Emergency Management Agency for its help and for providing relief materials to victims. Still, they expressed worry that flooding keeps happening in the area.

The forum said immediate actions are also needed as communities are at the height of the rainy season.

“Short-term measures must therefore be activated immediately. We urge the Federal and State Governments, in collaboration with local authorities, to ensure timely distribution of relief materials to verified victims, provide temporary shelters with basic health and sanitation services, and deploy emergency evacuation and early-warning teams in all flood-prone areas before the peak of the rainy season.

“Communities must also be sensitised to heed safety advisories and avoid building on water channels,” the senators said.

They stressed that emergency relief alone cannot solve the root causes of the ongoing disasters, especially in communities located downstream of major dams and along floodplains.

The lawmakers said the proposed master plan should bring together relevant federal and state agencies, dam operators, local authorities, technical experts, and affected communities to create a coordinated flood management system.

They also called for using reliable hydrological and meteorological data to enhance flood prediction. This way, communities can get sufficient warning before dangerous water levels are reached.