•Dr. Betta Edu
Nigerian Federal Government has said that Cameroonian authorities have let out water from Lagdo dam.
The Government which this known on Monday night to confirm the opening the dam by Cameroon to release its water, also said Nigerians will start seeing the the impact of the opened dams in the next one week.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu stated these during a briefing which President Bola Tinubu directed after the first Federal Executive Council meeting.
To ensure proper coordination, the Minister said her ministry with others will be working with the office of the Vice President and the Nigeria Governors Forum to ensure proper mitigation of the likely impact of the floods.
The Minister urged State Governments and communities that may be affected by the flood to commence immediate evacuation of their family members and livestocks to safer areas.
She also hinted that the federal government will provide temporary shelter and other relief items to those that may be hit by the looming flood.
She said: “We are gathered on the instance of the President following a presentation which I made at the FEC today on the opening of the Cameroon Lagdo dam which has already been opened as we speak and it is expected that within the next seven days, we will begin to see the effect of that dam opening in Nigeria.
“Flood is gradually becoming a yearly or seasonal occurrence in Nigeria which has led to loss of lives and properties in large numbers.
“We as a government are always interested in preventing, mitigating and proffering solution including recovery plans for flood and its consequences.
Presently now, we have a direct task by Mr. president to ensure proper preparedness for the consequences of the dam which has been opened in Cameroon and that is why this coordination meeting is being held tonight to help Nigeria adequately respond to it.
“A couple of States have been implicated and there have been ongoing engagements by NEMA with the state government but this will be carried out at higher level between the ministers, probably the Vice President and the state government; members of the Nigeria governors forum to ensure that they are part of the preparedness.”
On what is expected of states and communities that may be affected, Dr. Edu said: “One of the things the states and communities should do and even individuals is to begin to ensure that drainages are cleared and cleaned and whatever construction we have done on the drainages are quickly removed.
“Sensitization must also begin from the federal to the states, local government and communities. Everyone must be part of this engagement and sensitization.
