The National Economic Council (NEC) has voiced concerns about a potential setback in Nigeria’s agricultural harvest due to widespread flooding across multiple states. Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa revealed this after a NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.
The flooding, which has devastated 29 states, claimed 205 lives and displaced 225,169 people, according to a report from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The report also detailed that over 2,000 people sustained injuries, with Kano State recording the highest death toll at 35, followed by Jigawa with 34 fatalities.
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed noted that the floods have submerged farmlands, which will severely impact food production. He stressed the need for cooperation between state and federal agencies to ensure food security during harvest season. The governor also highlighted the federal government’s support, including a N3 billion relief fund for flood-affected states.
The NEC has directed states to submit detailed flood damage reports by Monday, September 9, 2024. Governor Sule announced the reformation of the Flood Committee to provide consistent interventions for flood management. The new committee includes governors from key flood-affected states and federal officials.
In a related event, U.S. philanthropist Bill Gates emphasized the importance of investing in Nigeria’s healthcare, nutrition, and agriculture sectors, citing over $2.8 billion in commitments from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over two decades. Gates urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize primary healthcare, stressing that effective resource allocation is crucial for the country’s development. He also highlighted the urgent need to address food insecurity, exacerbated by climate change and flooding.
