FG moves to tackle Nigeria’s flood, environmental crisis

The Federal government, in a move to address flooding, erosion, drought, and desertification, has appointed the minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, to the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC).

The appointment was approved by the National Economic Council (NEC) at its 142nd meeting at the State House in Abuja.

NFEDDMC, an intergovernmental Council Chaired by the Nigeria vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima leads national efforts to address flooding, erosion, drought, and desertification.

Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director of Information and public relations of the ministry in a statement on Saturday said the council’s strategic and coordinated approach includes representatives from key regions and sectors, including the Governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, and Jigawa States.

The ministry further explained that the council also incorporates vital stakeholders such as the Minister of State for Environment, and the Directors-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, among others

Other members include the Heads of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Niger Delta Development Commission, North East Development Commission, and representatives from international development partners, reinforcing a collaborative approach to resilience and environmental protection.

Imuetinyan said Utsev brings invaluable insights to NFEDDMC’s mission, enhancing Nigeria’s preparedness and response to environmental hazards.

Utsev and other council members were formally inaugurated by Vice-President Shettima at the State House, Abuja on Friday.