Senate Urges 2024 Budget Allocation for River Dredging Projects to Combat Benue Flood Crisis

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Senate is pushing for the inclusion of river dredging projects in the 2024 appropriation bill, with a primary focus on the Benue River and other rivers across the country, as the initiative seeks to tackle the persistent issue of recurrent flooding and its devastating consequences.

The motion, which is aimed at preventing the loss of lives due to floods and the imperative need to dredge the Benue River in Adamawa State, was sponsored by Senator Abba Aminu Iya, representing Adamawa Central.

Several other Senators have expressed their support for this motion, emphasizing the urgency of taking necessary measures to facilitate year-round agricultural activities.

Senator Dickson Serike stressed the significance of establishing the required mechanisms and underlined the importance of considering all dams beyond the Niger and Benue Rivers. All water eventually flows through the Niger Delta to the Atlantic, making it crucial to address issues upstream.

In addition, the lawmakers have called on President Bola Tinubu to expedite the construction of dams, including the Dasin Hausa Dam proposed for Fufore Local Government Area in Adamawa State. This move aims to mitigate potential risks associated with excessive flooding originating from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

To further address the crisis, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been urged to provide relief materials to flood victims and engage in awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of crossing rivers before or after heavy rainfall.

These actions come as a response to the recurring floods in the Benue region, which have caused significant damage and loss of life.

In 2022, over 2.41 million people were displaced, and more than 600 fatalities were recorded, alongside extensive damage to farmland in the affected areas, according to NEMA reports.

The Senate’s efforts aim to prevent such disasters in the future by prioritizing river dredging and comprehensive flood management.