PRESS RELEASE
18/06/26
2026 FLOOD ALERT: PREPAREDNESS TODAY WILL SAVE LIVES TOMORROW
The House Committee on Land, Environment, Climate and Ecological Management of the Kogi State House of Assembly wishes to alert all residents of Kogi State to the increasing flood risk as the peak of the 2026 rainy season approaches.
Forecasts by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and emergency management agencies have identified Kogi State among areas requiring heightened preparedness. Recent flooding already witnessed in Lagos, Akwa Ibom and other parts of the country underscores the reality that flood is no longer a distant possibility but a present national concern.
Particularly, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Ibaji, Idah, Kogi (Koton Karfe), Bassa, Igalamela Odolu, Ofu and Omala Local Government Areas have been placed on special flood watch, while communities in Adavi and other low lying areas are advised to remain on high alert due to the possibility of flash floods.
I strongly appeal to residents of these vulnerable communities to relocate from high risk and riverbank settlements where necessary, clear drainages around their homes and business premises, desist completely from dumping refuse into waterways, and dispose of waste only at approved collection points. Blocked drainages and obstructed water channels remain among the leading causes of avoidable flooding in our communities.
I commend His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, ecological protection and proactive disaster preparedness. His administration has consistently demonstrated that responsive governance is not only about responding to emergencies but preventing them through deliberate policies and timely interventions. The Committee is already engaging the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management to further strengthen the Ministry's flood prevention and emergency response mechanisms.
We equally commend the sustained advocacy and community sensitization being undertaken by the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). These efforts deserve the cooperation of every citizen because protecting lives and property is a collective responsibility.
As Lawmakers, our responsibility extends beyond legislation to safeguarding the welfare of our people. Let us therefore act before disaster strikes. Every drainage cleared, every refuse properly disposed of, and every early precaution taken may save countless lives.
Together, let us keep Kogi safe, clean and resilient.
Hon. Jibril Onoru-Oiza Abu (WisdomBank)
Chairman, House Committee on Land, Environment, Climate and Ecological Management
Member Representing Ajaokuta State Constituency
Kogi State House of Assembly
0 Comments