Federal Govt Commissions Project To Mitigate Flooding In Benue

Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), George Akume, has commissioned the Idye Flood Control/Dyke Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at reversing environmental destruction caused by floods and erosion in the Nyiman community.

At yesterday’s ceremony, Kume lauded the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission’s (N-HYPPADEC) efforts to promote sustainable community development in riverine areas impacted by hydropower dams.

The newly completed 1.2km dyke project represents an important first step in addressing the economic, environmental and social challenges facing communities along the River Benue.

“The completion of this project is a significant milestone in the efforts by N-HYPPADEC to mitigate the devastating effects of floods and erosion in Benue State,” Akume stated.

“Through painstaking planning, collaboration and hard work, the Commission has delivered this massive infrastructure that will have a lasting impact on the lives and livelihoods of the Nyiman community.”

The SGF commended the partnership between government agencies, the private sector, and local residents that made the dyke project a reality.

He urged the Nyiman community to ensure the infrastructure remains resilient to safeguard the area from future flooding.

N-HYPPADEC managing director Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa highlighted the agency’s commitment to reversing ecological degradation, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of sustainable industrial development.

Similar flood control projects have been completed in Kogi State, and more are slated for the coming months across hydro-power-producing areas.

Environmental experts have warned that Nigeria faces growing ecological threats from flooding, gully erosion and other nature-induced disasters, exacerbated by climate change impacts.