CPI Urges Joint Federal–State Action to Dredge River Niger, Build Dams to Curb Flooding in Kogi

The Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI) has called on the Kogi State Government to collaborate with the Federal Government to dredge the River Niger and construct additional dams as part of urgent measures to mitigate recurring flooding in the state.

The appeal follows the devastating impact of recent floods that claimed lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira across affected communities in Nigeria.

Executive Director of CPI, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, made the call during an advocacy visit to the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHCDA) on the Ganaja Charter of Demands.

Agbogun said dredging the River Niger and constructing additional dams would help regulate water flow, enhance storage capacity and provide a long-term solution to the persistent flooding in Kogi State and other parts of the country.

“All hands must be on deck to address the perennial flooding that continues to devastate our communities,” she said. “It is against this backdrop that we are adding our voice to the call for the dredging of River Niger and the construction of additional dams. These measures will go a long way in mitigating the annual flooding in Kogi State.”

She described Ganaja as a vibrant economic hub whose proximity to the river exposes residents to yearly flooding with devastating consequences.

“Ganaja contributes significantly to the local economy, yet its people are repeatedly displaced and their livelihoods disrupted due to flooding. This cycle must be broken through proactive and sustainable environmental management,” Agbogun added.

According to her, CPI, in collaboration with Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS) and Arctic Infrastructure (AI), conducted comprehensive research on the challenges associated with flooding in Ganaja and developed recommendations aimed at building a resilient support system to curb the environmental menace.

She explained that the five-point Charter of Demands for Ganaja community includes the rehabilitation of Nyama Nyama Road, provision of a functional primary healthcare centre, improved welfare for internally displaced persons (IDPs), dredging of the river and construction of additional dams, as well as provision of potable water.

Agbogun stressed that the KSPHCDA remains a critical stakeholder whenever flooding occurs, given the attendant public health emergencies.

“Flooding is not only an environmental issue; it is a public health crisis. Waterborne diseases, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare services worsen the suffering of displaced families. This is why we are seeking stronger institutional collaboration,” she stated.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Chairperson of the Working Group on the Ganaja Charter of Demands, Hon. Blessed Ibe Egbunu, decried the dire living conditions in temporary camps and called for immediate government intervention.

“The IDPs are facing significant challenges in accessing basic necessities such as shelter, clean water, sanitation and hygiene materials, food and other essential items,” Egbunu said. “Government must act swiftly to restore dignity and hope to these vulnerable citizens.”

Also speaking, Chairperson on Improved Well-being of IDPs, Achor Joy, lamented the absence of well-equipped camps during flood emergencies.

“During flooding, there is usually no standard IDP camp for victims. Many are exposed to diseases due to the poor condition of temporary shelters,” she said.

Joy further noted that the recurring floods have severely disrupted economic activities in Ganaja.

“The perennial flooding is crippling Ganaja’s economic activities. There is hunger, and the lives of vulnerable persons are constantly at risk. During floods, there are no boats or life jackets for safe passage. We have lost many lives,” she lamented. “We are appealing to the government to hear the cry of the people of Ganaja. Every year, we bear the brunt of this disaster.”

Responding, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa, who was represented at the event, assured the delegation that their concerns had been noted and would receive prompt attention.

“The message of your organisation has been clearly received. Government is committed to addressing the health and humanitarian challenges associated with flooding,” he said.

On the revitalisation of the Ganaja Primary Healthcare Centre, the agency disclosed that efforts were underway by the current administration to restore the facility to full functionality for the benefit of the community.

The agency commended CPI for its advocacy efforts and called for sustained synergy among stakeholders to effectively tackle flooding and its health implications across the state.

×