Northern Senators urge flood management plan for Niger State

The Northern Senators Forum has called on the Nigerian Federal and Niger State governments to implement urgent relief and long-term management strategies following devastating floods in Minna, Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro. The Forum expressed sympathy for victims who lost lives, homes, and livelihoods to the disaster.

While acknowledging the efforts of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), senators emphasized that the flooding in Shiroro and surrounding riverine areas is a recurring issue. They have proposed the development of a ‘Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan’ to provide a permanent solution.

Key recommendations include a scientifically determined flood-buffer operating strategy for the Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba dams, a permanent flood forecasting and early-warning system, and a comprehensive floodplain resettlement program. Additionally, the Forum demanded an independent technical review of dam operations, reservoir capacity, and spillway performance in response to changing climate conditions.