The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stated on Thursday that the devastating floods that have forced millions of Nigerians from their homes, along with the resulting outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and ongoing conflicts, continue to pose significant risks to the safety and welfare of the citizens.
Kalu made this remark in Abuja during his speech at the unveiling of the revised 2024 nationwide risk assessment for Nigeria, organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
He said, “It is with a deep sense of national duty that I address this nationally important gathering at the launch of the updated 2024 Countrywide Risk Analysis for Nigeria. This landmark work is both timely and essential, particularly as we face an increasingly complex risk landscape that threatens lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure across our nation. The findings of this analysis underscore critical issues: flooding, and epidemics remain major threats to the safety and well-being of our citizens. In 2022, for example, flooding displaced over 1.4 million Nigerians and caused wanton economic losses.
“According to available data. Similarly, conflict and violence incidents have caused widespread displacement and exacerbated vulnerabilities in communities nationwide. Epidemics such as cholera continue to expose gaps in health infrastructure and resilience mechanisms. As the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, I reaffirm our commitment to leveraging these insights for robust policymaking. The legislative arm of government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure that Nigeria’s risk management strategies are backed by appropriate laws and budgets. In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to put forward legislation prioritizing disaster risk reduction, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring equitable resource distribution to vulnerable communities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu’s administration provides a clear roadmap for inclusive development. Initiatives like this updated risk analysis are integral to achieving national resilience. Let me emphasize that disaster risk management is not the sole responsibility of the government; it requires a whole-of-society approach. I commend the continued support of international agencies, NGOs, and private sector actors. In conclusion, let this launch not only mark the unveiling of a document but also ignite actionable steps towards a safer, more resilient Nigeria. Together, we can mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and strengthen our collective future.”
