The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take immediate steps to address the flooding crisis in the state. The flooding has affected several communities, including Nkpogu, Mile 1 Diobu, Azuabie, Okuru-Ama, and the Peter Odili axis in Port Harcourt. Many households have been severely affected, with homes submerged and properties destroyed.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified Rivers as one of the states at high risk of flooding, highlighting the seriousness of the threat. This is not an isolated incident, but part of a recurring pattern that demands a sustained response. Residents have linked the worsening flooding in certain areas to debris from the ongoing construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road, particularly during the period when construction activity was disrupted.
The Ministry of Works and the supervising contractor should independently investigate the allegations of obstructions caused by the construction project. Where such obstructions are established, the affected corridors and drainage channels should be cleared without delay. Development projects must not become a source of hardship for the people they are intended to benefit. The government must prioritize the protection of lives, property, and livelihoods.
Rivers State has several communities that have historically been vulnerable to flooding, including areas along the fringes of the Orashi and Sombrero rivers. The 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMet forecasts an early-to-normal onset of the rainy season, normal-to-late cessation, and normal-to-above-normal rainfall and season duration across the country. This underscores the need for preparedness rather than reaction.
A comprehensive hydrological study should be undertaken to establish the precise causes of persistent flooding in these communities. Such a study would provide the basis for lasting corrective measures. The government must also address the issue of inadequate development control, which has led to the construction of structures without necessary approvals and the reclamation of wetlands.
The government must enforce existing sanitation laws and impose penalties on offenders who engage in improper waste disposal. Public drainage channels are routinely used as dumpsites, with plastics, household refuse, and faecal matter dumped into waterways intended to carry stormwater. The Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu-led Government Flood Management Committee, should investigate allegations of relief materials being distributed along partisan lines.
The state government should provide relief materials to flood victims and ensure that assistance reaches those for whom it is intended. Temporary accommodation should be provided for displaced persons until they can safely return to their homes. Landlords and community members should show consideration for families who have lost their homes or possessions to flooding, demonstrating compassion rather than profiteering.
Key points
- The Rivers State government must take immediate action to alleviate the plight of flood victims and address the root causes of the flooding crisis.
- A comprehensive hydrological study is necessary to establish the precise causes of persistent flooding in vulnerable communities.
- The government must enforce existing sanitation laws and impose penalties on offenders to deter improper waste disposal.
