The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the concerned federal government ministries and agencies to take urgent actions to protect coastal states of the country from the impending flood coming from Rivers Niger, Benue, and sea water rise from the Atlantic Ocean.
The national secretary of PANDEF, Dr Alfred Mulade, said in a statement that the predicted disaster poses an existential threat to the lives, properties, and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians living in these vulnerable areas: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Edo states.
The group urged the president to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the double-ended flooding, including “Reinforcing and upgrading flood defences and embankments and carrying out evacuations of people living in high-risk areas.
“Rapid deployment of emergency relief materials and aid Comprehensive support for affected communities, including rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
“Urgent construction of shelters on higher grounds to provide safe temporary housing for displaced persons.”
PANDEF stressed that every minute counts and prompt attention is crucial to prevent catastrophic consequences.
“We therefore urge the federal government to treat this existential situation with the utmost urgency and seriousness, which it deserves to protect the lives of our population.”
