Flood: Sokoto Assembly urges govt. to prevent disaster

The Sokoto State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, urged the state government to take immediate and proactive measures to prevent the recurring annual flood crisis across the state.

This followed a resolution on a motion moved by Alhaji Aminu Gidado (APC–Sokoto South II) and seconded by Alhaji Usaini Tukur (APC–Sokoto North II) during the Assembly’s plenary.

He noted that the recurring flooding in the state was due to poor drainage infrastructure and inadequate maintenance of existing systems.

“Many drainages across the state are blocked with refuse, and silt with water board pipes clogged.

“Uncontrolled urban and rural development without proper flood control measures has further worsened the situation,” he said.

The lawmaker added that both urban and rural areas in the state were suffering from inadequate or collapsed drainage systems, resulting in stagnated water, erosion, and avoidable disasters during the rainy season.

He urged the Assembly to call on the state government to construct new drainage systems and gutters in strategic locations, particularly in flood-prone areas.

“Government should direct the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately commence desilting and clearing of all blocked drainages and gutters as well as intensify public sensitisation campaigns on proper waste disposal and community involvement in environmental sanitation,” said.

Gidado also referenced the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), where the state was listed among states at high risk of severe flooding due to expected heavy and prolonged rainfall.

He therefore suggested that the Assembly mandate the House Committee on Environment and other relevant oversight committees to monitor compliance and report progress regularly.

After deliberations, the Speaker Alhaji Tukur Bala, put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted by members.

(NAN)