The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action following widespread flooding that has submerged communities, destroyed critical infrastructure, and disrupted livelihoods across Delta State and several other parts of the country.
The call followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, representing the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency of Delta State.
In his presentation, Hon. Waive highlighted the catastrophic impact of persistent heavy rainfall, which has left residential areas, schools, businesses, and essential facilities completely inundated. Communities across Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Local Government Areas have been among the hardest hit, leaving families displaced and local economies paralyzed.
The emergency reached a critical peak along the vital East-West Road at Agbarho, on the Agbarho–Ughelli axis, where surging floodwaters caused the collapse and wash-out of a major section of the highway. As a crucial arterial corridor linking Delta State to Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and the wider South-South region, the damaged highway poses severe risks to commuters and threatens to paralyze the regional movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, and essential goods.
The magnitude of this flood and the strategic importance of this federal highway require swift and coordinated federal action, While residential communities face risks of waterborne diseases, displacement, and economic ruin, the collapse of key transportation arteries threatens to isolate entire regions.
Hon. Waive emphasized
The House commended the Delta State Government for its swift proactive measures. The Governor of Delta State personally inspected the disaster zone, directed immediate remedial works to ensure the East-West Road remains temporarily passable, and provided initial relief to affected residents.
However, lawmakers noted that given the magnitude of the disaster and the federal status of the damaged highway, local interventions must be urgently supported by federal institutions. The motion referenced earlier warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which had identified Delta State as a high-risk zone requiring heightened emergency preparedness.
To prevent further deterioration and alleviate the severe hardship experienced by citizens, the House unanimously resolved to:
Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently mobilize financial and technical resources to permanently reconstruct the collapsed sections of the East-West Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately deploy emergency response personnel, food, and relief materials to affected communities across Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency.
Urge the Ecological Project Office (EPO) to implement permanent flood and erosion mitigation measures in Agbarho, Ughelli North LGA.
Commend the Delta State Government for its rapid intervention in restoring temporary access along the East-West Road.
Mandate the House Committees on Works, NEMA, and Ecological Funds to monitor execution and compliance, returning a progress report to plenary within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
