President Muhammadu Buhari directed the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) on Friday to work with the Ministry of Water Resources to find a solution to the flood crisis that is currently wreaking havoc across the federation.
The President, who spoke when he hosted the outgoing Chairman of the NGF, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, the incoming Interim Chairman, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, and the Interim Deputy Chairman, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, urged the governors to escalate their findings to the federal government so that needed aid could be sent to the victims.
He mentioned how the Minister of Water Resources has worked hard on dams and water resources in the country.
According to a statement issued by Chief Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the governors informed Buhari that lives had been lost and homes and farmlands had been washed away in states such as Kogi, Yobe, and Jigawa, among others, and requested federal government intervention in the form of special funding.
President Buhari stated that following the meeting with the relevant Minister, a report should be submitted "and we will see what to do."
Governor Fayemi, who will leave office in about nine days, thanked the President personally for his support as Ekiti State governor and for the governors collectively.
"You always treated us with respect. You made accommodations for us and listened to our requests. You were always there for us when we were facing difficulties, whether individually or collectively. We owe you our gratitude," said the outgoing NGF Chairman.
Flooding, according to Gov Tambuwal, creates a frightening scenario for food security, "and we need to plan ahead for dry season farming," while Gov Bagudu advised that now is not the time to squeeze credit for the agricultural sector due to the unusual challenges.