In a recent development, Ali Dala, the Director of Dams and Reservoirs Operations, has emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to construct more dams to effectively mitigate flooding across the country. This statement was made during the visit of the Inter-ministerial Technical Committee on Evaluation of Dams to the Oyan Dam in Abeokuta on November 2, 2024. Dala pointed out that Nigeria currently has only 408 registered dams, a stark contrast to the 92,000 in the United States and 98,000 in China. He highlighted that many of Nigeria's existing dams are aging and require urgent maintenance and upgrades to function effectively. [ffaf127f]
The call for increased dam construction aligns with the broader context of climate change impacts in Nigeria, where flooding has become a significant concern. Adebomeyin Abdulganiyu, the Surveyor General of the Federation, previously underscored the importance of addressing climate change through enhanced funding and community awareness initiatives. He noted that rising sea levels and desertification are pressing issues that require immediate attention. [22d0d534]
Dala's advocacy for more dams also includes the necessity for regular dredging of rivers to ensure proper water flow and reduce flooding risks. Increased investment in dam construction is seen as essential for effective flood control, especially as Nigeria grapples with the consequences of climate change. [ffaf127f]
This emphasis on infrastructure development for flood control complements ongoing global efforts to address climate-related challenges. For instance, Malaysia has secured a $3 million grant from the Green Climate Fund to develop a National Adaptation Plan, while Bangladesh estimates a need for $876 billion to implement its climate action strategies. [d1d75ff4]
As the global community continues to seek solutions to climate change, Nigeria's focus on dam construction and maintenance could play a crucial role in safeguarding communities from the devastating effects of flooding. [71a66ad9]