ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with First Step Action and other partners, has invested a substantial $350,000 in humanitarian interventions to address flood-related issues in Benue. During a press conference at the Metropolitan Hotel in Makurdi on Sunday, Country Director of ActionAid, Andrew Mamedu, represented by David Haba, the Humanitarian and Resilient Manager, highlighted the need for enhanced stakeholder coordination and increased funding to effectively combat the recurring impact of floods in Nigeria.
Mamedu urged the government to allocate a dedicated fund to manage the aftermath of floods and tackle the root causes of this perennial disaster. He stated that 2022 marked a particularly challenging period for Nigeria, experiencing the worst flooding in over a decade, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The reported toll included at least 603 lives lost, over 2,400 injuries, and more than 1.4 million people displaced as of November 2022.
The aftermath of this catastrophe continues to affect numerous communities, with ongoing recovery efforts. Mamedu stressed the multifaceted and far-reaching effects of flooding on individuals and communities. The floods in 2023 have unfortunately perpetuated this devastation, displacing thousands and causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
Highlighting the grim consequences, Mamedu stated, “Lives are lost, injuries sustained, and the cost of treatment becomes an additional burden. Homes and properties, including vehicles and businesses, are damaged, and the disruption of transportation leads to job losses and economic setbacks. Farmlands and livestock are ravaged, impacting the livelihoods of entire communities.”
In response to the escalating crisis, the federal government declared a state of emergency in Benue State, recognising the urgent need for immediate intervention.
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