…As Lawmakers slam failure of ecological fund office, demand urgent resettlement
The Senate has called on the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive and immediate investigation into the devastating flood that struck Mokwa in Niger State and other vulnerable flood-prone regions across the country.
The lawmakers further recommended the dredging of the River Niger, the enhancement of early warning systems, and the establishment of durable flood control infrastructure to prevent similar disasters in the future.
These resolutions followed a motion titled “Catastrophic Flood Disaster in Mokwa, Niger State: Need for Proactive Action to Forestall Future Occurrence”, sponsored by Senator Peter Jiya (PDP, Niger South) and supported by 21 other senators.
Addressing the chamber, Senator Jiya recounted the scale of destruction from the May 29–30, 2025 flooding, triggered by torrential rainfall. He reported that over 700 people lost their lives, including pupils from four Islamic schools, while only 300 bodies have been recovered. Many victims remain unaccounted for, likely buried in mud or washed into the River Niger.
He stated that the disaster injured more than 350 people, destroyed approximately 1,800 homes, and displaced over 3,000 residents, with at least 3,354 individuals currently sheltering in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The overall number of affected persons is estimated to exceed 9,500.
Senator Jiya added that essential infrastructure such as railway lines, bridges, and roads were swept away, and more than 50,000 hectares of paddy fields and other farmland were submerged, posing a significant threat to regional food security.
He expressed dismay at the lack of timely intervention by the Ecological Fund Office, which he said had ignored prior warnings regarding dormant river channels in Mokwa and Kutigi. These warnings were based on flood predictions issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET).
He lamented the insufficient impact of existing disaster-response mechanisms, stating that relief materials delivered during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit and by other agencies were vastly inadequate given the magnitude of destruction.
Following deliberations, the Senate passed several resolutions. It called on the Federal Government to prioritise the relocation of communities situated along active and inactive riverbanks and erosion-prone areas. The Senate also pressed for expanded distribution of food supplies, medical care, clean water, and temporary shelter to flood victims.
Additionally, the Senate directed its Joint Committee on Works, Housing, Urban Development, and Water Resources to conduct an on-the-ground assessment and ensure thorough monitoring of all emergency responses and rehabilitation efforts. The committee is expected to report back with its findings and recommendations.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to address economic recovery and food production challenges, Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central, launched a poultry empowerment initiative targeting small-scale farmers.
At an event held at his constituency office in Ilorin, beneficiaries from the four local government areas of Kwara Central received poultry farming starter kits after completing a hands-on training in modern poultry techniques.
Speaking through his legislative aide, Mr Tunde Abdulkadir, Senator Mustapha explained that the initiative is part of his broader strategy to tackle unemployment, enhance food security, and promote grassroots agricultural entrepreneurship.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Mustapha described the programme as aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which seeks to revitalise the agricultural sector and create opportunities for self-reliance among young Nigerians.
“Agriculture remains a vital engine of economic growth and a pathway to youth employment,” the senator remarked. He called on the beneficiaries to apply their new skills diligently and contribute to the state’s economic advancement.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as a timely boost with the potential to transform their livelihoods.
This initiative adds to a growing portfolio of empowerment programmes championed by Senator Mustapha. Earlier in the year, he implemented a major agricultural project valued at over ₦2 billion, distributing farm equipment to his constituents, a gesture that drew praise from colleagues in the National Assembly.
