Northern senators seek permanent solution to Niger flooding

Northern senators, under the banner of the Northern Senators’ Forum, have called for a permanent solution to the persistent flooding in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. They argue that a continued reliance on emergency relief measures leaves communities vulnerable to repeated disasters and urged the Federal and Niger State governments to develop and implement a long-term strategy.

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requires a shift from reactive emergency interventions to long-term planning and preventive measures.

The forum, led by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, specifically proposed the creation of a Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan. This plan should encompass a scientifically determined operating strategy for the Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba dams, alongside a robust flood forecasting and early-warning system. They also advocated for a comprehensive floodplain resettlement program, which would include planned settlements, compensation, and livelihood support for affected populations.

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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.

Furthermore, the lawmakers demanded an independent technical review of the dams' operations, reservoir capacity, and spillway performance in light of changing climate conditions. This review aims to optimize water release management to mitigate downstream flooding risks while ensuring the facilities' operational needs are met. The senators stressed the necessity of transitioning from "reactive emergency interventions to long-term planning and preventive measures" to address the root causes of the recurring disaster, particularly for communities downstream of major dams and along floodplains.

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Communities must also be sensitised to heed safety advisories and avoid building on water channels.