…Civil society groups warn of repeat of 2024 flooding as rains begin
Chiemelie Ezeobi
Two leading civil society organisations, Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) and the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), have raised the alarm over an impending humanitarian and environmental disaster in Maiduguri, Borno State, due to the federal government’s failure to commence urgent repairs on the collapsed Alau Dam.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the groups criticised the government’s inaction, warning that the onset of the rainy season could lead to a repeat of the devastating floods that submerged about 70 percent of Maiduguri on September 10, 2024.
The flooding displaced thousands of residents and wreaked havoc across communities such as Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin and others. Key public infrastructure, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno and government facilities, were also affected.
The situation was further compounded by the death of 80 percent of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo. While animals at the nearby Museum Park managed to escape, the incident left residents vulnerable to unexpected dangers and deepened the humanitarian crisis.
Executive Director of CFSF, Comrade Sani Saba, described the government’s delay as “a ticking time bomb,” accusing officials of prioritising optics over tangible preventive action.
“Another disaster may be imminent. With the delay in commencement of the repair work on the dam, we can conclude that the federal government is more interested in optics and showmanship when disasters happen rather than supporting pro-active interventions,” Saba stated.
He criticised the decision to bypass the original contractor, Mothercat Nigeria Limited, in favour of another unnamed firm that, according to local reports, began work on a damaged pipeline under the Lagos Street Bridge but abandoned the site after mobilisation.
“Nothing can justify the government’s engagement of a firm that is incapable of delivering and exposing the locals to fresh harm. It is simply unacceptable,” Saba added.
Echoing his concerns, the Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, said the government’s complacency could lead to loss of lives and further undermine security in the region already grappling with insurgency and economic instability.
“We are bewildered at the lacklustre attitude of the government in the face of a possible repeat of the 2024 flooding incident. What we should be hearing by now is the level of progress of the work,” Jakpor said.
“By virtue of the delay in commencing the rehabilitation of the dam, lives may be lost, livelihoods affected, and the economy of the state further damaged if the rains come with the fury of last year. This will likely worsen the insecurity residents face.”
The groups further noted that many communities in Maiduguri still lack access to potable water nearly a year after the dam’s collapse. Affected areas include densely populated neighbourhoods such as Wulari, Mafoni, Kumshe, Hausari, Shehuri North, Shehuri South and old Maiduguri.
CFSF and RDI are demanding the immediate commencement of repair and expansion works on the dam, as well as the prosecution of contractors who were funded but failed to deliver.
“Until we have people who are accountable for their actions, this sort of annoying situation will continue,” the joint statement read. “The relevant agencies like the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have given adequate notice of what is imminent. No serious government would wait till disaster happens before acting. We demand urgent action.”
As the rains begin to fall in northern Nigeria, the groups warned that the window for intervention is quickly closing.
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