Flood Claims 205 Lives, Threatens Food Security

The National Economic Council (NEC) has expressed concerns about a potential poor harvest due to widespread flooding in 29 states, which has claimed 205 lives and displaced 225,169 people.

The council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, met on Wednesday to discuss the devastating impact of the floods.

According to a report by the National Emergency Management Agency, Kano State is the worst hit with 35 deaths, followed by Jigawa with 34.

Bauchi and Bayelsa states also recorded significant losses, with 21 and 25 deaths respectively.

The flooding has affected 611,201 people, with Bauchi being the most affected state, followed by Sokoto and Zamfara.

“The governors acknowledged the support of the federal government in terms of releasing N3 billion as a measure to ensure that at least they provide palliative for the flood,” said Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

“But we need to provide more of food security. Already, farmlands are submerged and therefore there’s need for collaboration between all the tiers of government to ensure food security.”

The NEC has called for improved food security measures, noting that flooded farmlands will impact harvest yields.

“The need for planning, collaboration, and interaction to do that during the harvest time because the bumper harvest may not be as envisaged,” Governor Mohammed added.

The council has requested flood-affected states to submit damage reports by September 9.

A reconstituted flood committee, comprising governors from affected states and federal ministers, will provide consistent intervention and support to affected states.

The flooding has also destroyed over 4,167 houses and farmlands in Gombe and Yobe states alone, with 154 local government areas ravaged across the 29 states.

The NEC’s concerns about a poor harvest come as the country struggles to address food insecurity challenges.