By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with relevant agencies to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday while receiving the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Flooding, led by Hon. Mandala Usman, the minister described flooding as “sensitive, worrisome, and largely man-made,” stressing that long-term solutions require collective action from citizens and government alike.
Balarabe outlined existing measures including afforestation programmes, early warning alerts, public sensitisation, enforcement of environmental laws, flood equipment deployment, and training of officers. He also suggested practical interventions such as rainwater harvesting, dam construction, improved drainage systems, tree planting, flood laboratories, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
The minister urged state governors and the FCT Administration to respect the Land Use Act, avoid converting forest reserves and waterways into residential or commercial zones, and support strict environmental regulations.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, called for increased funding and faster release of resources earmarked for the Presidential Initiative on Flooding.
In his remarks, Hon. Usman emphasised prevention over response, recommending the revival of National Sanitation Day, stronger collaboration with governors on ecological funds, enforcement of environmental laws, and attracting local and international climate support. He pledged the committee’s regular oversight visits to monitor progress.
