A group, the Christian Conscience, has urged government on all levels to step up actions on how to prevent future occurrences of flooding to save the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The Christian Conscience gave the advice at its monthly executive meeting held in Lagos State on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

The non-government organisation described flooding as a global issue, saying its devastating effects cannot be over-emphasised.

The group noted that the dams across the nation were built many years ago based on the then-prevailing terrain and respective locations, adding: “Global climate change and the ever-increasing population have changed the narrative and this calls for an engineering solution for upgrade or construction of new dams.”

With the recent flooding in Maiduguri with the collapse of the dam that brought damage and agony to the people, the group called on the government to take immediate steps to avoid a repeat of such an occurrence.

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The Christian Conscience further stressed an immediate need for proactive measures in preventing flooding during the rainy season to avoid loss of human life and damage of properties.

“This also greatly concerns the economy as farmers have to deal with this crisis because the flood washes away their farm produce,” it noted.

The Christian Conscience warned that Nigeria may be faced with food shortage in the coming months because of flooding and insecurity affecting the farmers “if this is not swiftly acted upon”.

The group, therefore, commiserated with the government and people of Maiduguri in Borno State with prayers for an end to the flooding and succour to those who suffered the loss of their loved ones and properties.

The Star