Christian Conscience urges the Nigerian Federal Government to tackle the root causes of flooding, advocating for sustainable solutions over temporary palliative measures

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria Flooding Solutions must move beyond temporary relief and address the fundamental issues, a non-governmental organisation, Christian Conscience, has urged the Federal Government.

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In a statement released on Friday by its publicity secretary, Mr. Tunji Oguntuase, and co-signed by National President Dr. Mrs. Yetunde Akinluyi and General Secretary Revd Dr. Kolawole Verrals, the group described the recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, as a “national disaster.”

Christian Conscience extended its condolences to the victims of the Mokwa flood, offering prayers for relief from their pain and losses.

While commending the government’s intervention efforts, particularly those overseen by Vice President Kashim Shettima on May 4, the group underscored the critical need for sustainable, long-term strategies.

“Providing palliatives without addressing the root cause may be futile,” the group emphatically noted, highlighting a widespread concern that reactive measures alone are insufficient to combat the recurrent problem of Nigeria flooding.

The Christian NGO drew parallels with similar flooding incidents in Kano State, questioning whether previously affected dams had been properly fixed.

To avert future calamities, the organisation put forward several measures. These include the urgent need to identify and reinforce flood-prone areas across the country before the next rainy season commences.

Furthermore, it called on the government to meticulously monitor aid distribution to ensure that the genuinely affected individuals are the sole beneficiaries.

“The Nigerian factor must be avoided,” the group emphasised, alluding to concerns about corruption or mismanagement in aid delivery.

Given that Mokwa and indeed Niger State serve as Nigeria’s agricultural hub, the group’s appeal to “Identify and address flood-prone areas nationwide” takes on added significance for the nation’s food security.

Also read: Tragedy! Flood sweeps through Mokwa, Niger State, many deaths recorded

Their advocacy for proactive measures aims to safeguard communities and critical agricultural lands from future devastation, shifting the focus from crisis management to preventative action.