Shiroro Flooding: Northern Senators Demand Long-term Solution

The Northern Senators’ Forum has called for a permanent solution to the recurring flooding in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, urging the Federal and State Governments to adopt long-term measures to prevent further loss of lives and property.

The senators made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday by the forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, representing Katsina Central.

The lawmakers specifically demanded the development and implementation of a Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan, which they said should provide a comprehensive framework for tackling the recurring disaster.

According to them, the master plan should include a scientifically determined flood-buffer operating strategy for the Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba dams, as well as a permanent flood-forecasting and early-warning system supported by trained local volunteers downstream.

They also called for a comprehensive floodplain resettlement programme that would provide planned settlements, compensation and livelihood support for residents affected by flooding.

The senators further demanded an independent technical review of dam operations, reservoir capacity and spillway performance in light of current climate realities.

They said the review was necessary to determine how future water releases could be better managed to reduce the risk of flooding in downstream communities.

While commending the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its intervention and provision of relief materials to flood victims, the lawmakers expressed concern that flooding had become a recurring problem in Shiroro and other riverine communities.

“Short-term measures must therefore be activated immediately,” the senators said, urging the Federal and State Governments, in collaboration with local authorities, to ensure the timely distribution of relief materials to verified victims.

They also called for the provision of temporary shelters equipped with basic health and sanitation services, as well as the deployment of emergency evacuation and early-warning teams in flood-prone areas before the peak of the rainy season.

The lawmakers urged residents to heed safety advisories and avoid constructing buildings on water channels.

They warned that the 2025 Mokwa tragedy and findings from a 2025 vulnerability study showing that 32 per cent of Shiroro Local Government Area is highly prone to flooding should serve as a wake-up call to authorities.

“The 2025 Mokwa tragedy and the 2025 vulnerability study showing that 32% of Shiroro LGA is highly prone to flooding remind us that inaction will continue to cost lives and property,” they warned.

The senators commiserated with families who lost loved ones, homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods to the disaster.

They urged relevant authorities to move beyond emergency relief and to develop sustainable measures that address the underlying causes of flooding and protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.