Expected flooding in Nigeria in 2023

2023/03/02 (Source The Guardian Nigeria)

Quote

"NEMA DG Mr Mustapha Ahmed expect another severe flooding

Indicated by prediction from relevant agencies, Nigeria will be witnessing sever flooding this year.

We have started early this year, as we are ready for early warning and early action.

We will bombard every citizen, state and local government with this information as we want them to know that it is serious.

“We will not keep quiet. We want them to know that there will be flood this year,’’ he said

We expect that actions should be taken, especially at the sub-national levels, early enough, to mitigate the impact of flooding in the country,” he said."

Unquote.

Creating controlled flooding areas is one, deepening the inland waterways is another. The inland waterways need to considered as an economical asset to increase revenue for the Country. Not only creating revenue but imaging the amount of extra jobs created and additional investments by the private sector along these waterways. Operating Onitsha River Port, we are a first hand stake holder in this topic. Deepening the river will not only reduce the changes of flooding but will also contribute the accessibility of the hinterland. I would go even a step further, if deepening is taking serious, certain parts of the country could even be reached by sea going vessels.

Not to mention that a large amount of people will become homeless if flooding appears to be the same as last year in 2022. It is in everybody's interest to take action early enough. Fundings should be made available now.