FG attributes Mokwa flood to climate change, unregulated construction, and poor drainage

The recent devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands, was caused by a confluence of factors including extreme weather events linked to climate change, unregulated construction, and inadequate drainage infrastructure, the Federal Government announced on Tuesday.

During a press briefing at the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation headquarters in Abuja, Minister Prof. Joseph Utsev clarified that, contrary to widespread rumors, no dam collapsed in the area. Instead, the severe flooding was a direct result of unusually intense rainfall exacerbated by poor urban planning.

“Mokwa’s tragic flooding is a result of climate-induced extreme weather patterns, compounded by uncontrolled building practices and poor drainage systems,” the minister stated.

He further explained that an ephemeral tributary of the River Dingi, typically dry for most of the year, was blocked by unregulated buildings and road construction, cutting off natural water flow and leading to the widespread inundation.

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Utsev confirmed that a team of technical experts from his ministry and related agencies has been deployed to Mokwa to assess the full extent of the damage and to recommend long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences.

He urged state governments and relevant stakeholders across the country to prioritize early warning systems and adopt proactive measures to mitigate flood risks.

Mokwa, a crucial commercial and transit hub connecting southern traders with northern agricultural producers, was hit by severe flash floods in recent days.

The disaster has not only resulted in a significant loss of life and mass displacement but also poses a potential economic disruption to Nigeria’s food distribution network, given its strategic location approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) east of Abuja.