Members of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), representing 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, have formally requested a transition from stopgap emergency measures to sustainable infrastructure solutions regarding the persistent flooding in Niger State. Highlighting the recent devastation in areas like Minna, Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro, the group emphasized that seasonal aid is insufficient to protect citizens.
Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum’s chairman, offered condolences to those who lost property, livelihoods, or family members. While the senators recognized the assessment efforts of NEMA and NSEMA, they argued that permanent resolution is essential. They advocate for a comprehensive Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan. This initiative would involve scientific management of water releases from the Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba dams, alongside an early-warning system and a structured resettlement program for residents in high-risk zones.
Furthermore, the senators proposed an independent technical evaluation of dam operations and spillway capacities to better align with current climate realities. Pointing to the 2025 Mokwa floods and data suggesting that 32 percent of Shiroro is vulnerable, the forum called for integrating infrastructure repairs, such as drainage and road improvements, into a broader environmental management strategy. The NSF has pledged to pursue the necessary budgetary and legislative support to implement these measures and mitigate future disaster risks.
