Serving senators under the aegis of the Northern Senators’ Forum on Wednesday sought a permanent solution to the recurring flooding in Shiroro, Niger State.
In a statement, the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), specifically demanded the development and implementation of a Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan.
According to the senators, the master plan should include a scientifically determined flood-buffer operating strategy for the Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba dams, a permanent flood forecasting and early-warning system with trained local volunteers downstream and a comprehensive floodplain resettlement program that provides planned settlements, compensation, and livelihood support for affected persons.
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They added that an independent technical review of dam operations, reservoir capacity, and spillway performance—in light of current climate realities—must be conducted to determine how future water releases are managed.
While commending the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its interventions in providing relief materials to victims, the forum noted with concern that flooding has become a recurring pattern in Shiroro and other riverine communities.
“Short-term measures must therefore be activated immediately. We urge the Federal and State Governments, in collaboration with local authorities, to ensure timely distribution of relief materials to verified victims, provide temporary shelters with basic health and sanitation services, and deploy emergency evacuation and early-warning teams in all flood-prone areas before the peak of the rainy season. Communities must also be sensitized to heed safety advisories and avoid building on water channels.
“The 2025 Mokwa tragedy and the 2025 vulnerability study showing that 32% of Shiroro LGA is highly prone to flooding remind us that inaction will continue to cost lives and property,” the senators warned.
