NEC Plans New Dams for South-East, South-South Regions, Cites Reason

The National Economic Council (NEC) has recommended the construction of new dams in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions as a crucial measure to combat recurring floods. This decision was made during NEC’s 144th meeting held at the State House, Abuja, under the chairmanship of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Following the session, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo disclosed the council’s resolution to integrate these flood-prone regions into the national dam construction plan. Additionally, NEC emphasized the importance of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation performing comprehensive integrity checks on all major waterways and dams across Nigeria.

Governor Soludo stated, “The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has been directed to undertake a rigorous integrity review of the country’s waterways and dams. There was also a significant push for an extensive dredging program to maintain waterways and reduce flood risks.”

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Water Resources identified 148 local government areas across 31 states as high-risk flood zones, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, reported to NEC on recent government initiatives following the widespread impact of 2024’s floods, which devastated communities and displaced thousands across the nation.

Statistics from NEC reveal the extent of the damage: 34 states were affected, with floods impacting 217 local governments. Over 1.37 million people were affected, including 740,743 displaced, while the floods claimed 321 lives and injured over 20,000 people. Additionally, more than 250,000 hectares of farmland suffered severe damage, threatening food security.

In response to this, the council has requested that all governors submit updated reports on their states’ flood management practices. NEC also discussed establishing an annual program to desilt waterways as a preventive measure.

During the meeting, Minister Utsev reported the progress of a technical sub-committee established on October 8, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu. This committee will compile an interim report to be shared with an inter-ministerial team, which will then present its recommendations to the President.

The NEC also proposed that the Green Climate Fund include a flood-resilient infrastructure component, particularly for areas in the South-East and South-South that are heavily affected by flooding.