By KP Reporter
Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, has tabled a motion in the Nigerian Senate calling for immediate government intervention in response to the devastating flood disaster that has affected multiple communities in the Ikosi-Isheri Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Areas and parts of Ogun State.
Representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Abiru presented the motion under matters of public importance, citing the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended. The motion was prompted by the release of water from the Oyan River Dam, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, as revealed in a statement by the Senator’s media aide, Mr. Enitan Olukotun.
The Senator expressed deep concern for his constituents, explaining that residents of the affected areas have been forced to abandon their homes, and essential services such as schools and religious centers have been brought to a standstill. In some parts, the floodwaters reportedly reached neck-deep levels for adults. The devastation extended to areas around Ikorodu road, including Agiliti 2, Owode Elede, Irawo, Ajegunle, Elias Estate, Famous, and parts of Channels TV road in Ikosi Isheri.
Senator Abiru emphasized the urgent humanitarian crisis caused by the floods, with displaced residents seeking shelter with family and friends, able to salvage only a few belongings in the face of the disaster. Food, clothing, and shelter have become immediate and pressing needs for the affected communities.
The motion received support from other distinguished Senators, including Senator (Otunba) Gbenga Daniel of Ogun East and Senator Ahmed Ningi. They called for swift action to prevent the recurring flood crisis.
Following deliberation, the Senate passed several resolutions, expressing sympathy for the flood victims and commending the governments of Lagos and Ogun states for their response to the disaster. Among the resolutions, Senator Abiru urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the flood victims in both Lagos and Ogun States.
The Senate also called upon the Federal Government to organize a stakeholders’ meeting to address the ongoing flood issues nationwide and develop long-term solutions. Furthermore, they directed the relevant Senate committees to allocate adequate funding to agencies like NIMET, Hydrological Agency of Nigeria, and River Basin Development Authorities to fulfill their mandates effectively.
In a bid to establish comprehensive flood management, the Senate urged the Executive to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Committee for the Development of a Comprehensive Plan of Action, which advocated for the creation of a National Flood Management Council (NFMC) in Nigeria, serving as a central authority for coordinating flood management activities nationwide.