Shiroro Floods: Senators Seek Master Plan, Early Warning System

Northern Senators Seek Permanent Solution to Flooding in Niger State
Serving senators under the aegis of the Northern Senators’ Forum on Wednesday called for a permanent solution to recurring flooding in Shiroro, Niger State.

The senators, in a statement by the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), specifically demanded the development and implementation of a Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan.
According to the senators, the master plan should include a scientifically determined flood-buffer operating strategy for the Shiroro, Kainji and Jebba dams; a permanent flood forecasting and early-warning system with trained local volunteers downstream; and a comprehensive floodplain resettlement programme providing planned settlements, compensation and livelihood support for affected persons.
They also called for an independent technical review of dam operations, reservoir capacity and spillway performance in light of current climate realities, to determine how future releases should be managed.
The senators commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its interventions so far in providing relief materials to victims. However, they expressed concern that flooding has become a recurring pattern in Shiroro and other riverine communities.
“Short-term measures must therefore be activated immediately. We urge the Federal and State Governments, in collaboration with local authorities, to ensure timely distribution of relief materials to verified victims, provide temporary shelters with basic health and sanitation services, and deploy emergency evacuation and early-warning teams in all flood-prone areas before the peak of the rainy season.
“Communities must also be sensitized to heed safety advisories and avoid building on water channels.”
The senators warned that the 2025 Mokwa tragedy and the 2025 vulnerability study, which showed that 32 percent of Shiroro Local Government Area is highly prone to flooding, should serve as reminders that inaction will continue to cost lives and property.
They commiserated with families who have lost loved ones, homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods to the unfortunate disaster.