The Nasarawa State government has directed residents living in flood-prone communities to immediately relocate to higher ground as the rainy season intensifies. The directive was announced by Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, during a press briefing in Lafia after monitoring the monthly sanitation exercise.
Elayo explained that the move is necessary due to flooding predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and past experiences where floods have led to loss of lives and property in the state. She emphasized that some states have already started experiencing flooding this season, making it urgent for vulnerable residents to act quickly.
The government is working with local government chairmen and traditional rulers to identify safe locations for affected residents. Elayo urged people to take only their valuables and leave their homes temporarily to ensure their safety.
She also called on the public to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels and to avoid constructing buildings on waterways, as these practices contribute to flooding. Efforts are being intensified to raise public awareness about flood risks and the importance of keeping waterways clear.
Additionally, Elayo noted that the state’s recycling plant in Akurba, Lafia, will be made operational to help manage waste and keep the environment clean. She warned that anyone caught dumping refuse on the streets will face sanctions.
The commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the current level of compliance with sanitation laws and appealed for greater cooperation from residents to prevent disease outbreaks and promote healthier living conditions.
