Minister of water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, on Thursday, said the recurring floods in Ogun and Lagos were caused by climate change and not the Oyan Dam water release.
Mr Utsev, who said this in a statement issued at the end of his familiarisation visit to Gov. Dapo Abiodun and Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, said efforts were on to address the huge problems associated with the annual flooding.
According to him, dams are crucial in flood management and irrigated agriculture, adding that the federal government has developed a comprehensive strategy to better manage flooding nationwide.
“Oyan Dam, boasting of a significant 270 million-cubic-metre capacity reservoir, remains in excellent condition and should not be held accountable for the recent flooding incidents,” he said.
Mr Utsev urged state governments affected by flooding to enact measures to control their citizens’ activities and prevent improper waste disposal and construction of structures on waterways.
The minister also said it was important to address other potential factors contributing to flooding, such as climate change and the absence of drainage systems.
He said that his ministry had initiated the partial commercialisation of river basins across the country, in alignment with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s vision for food security.
This, he added, was aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and bolstering the nation’s economy.
The minister encouraged state governments to actively participate in the “Clean Nigeria Campaign,” aimed at eradicating open defecation, emphasising his ministry’s readiness to collaborate with Ogun to achieve the goal.
According to him, it will ultimately improve the health and well-being of the citizens.
Responding, the governor acknowledged the water challenges in the state and expressed his government’s readiness to collaborate with the federal government in addressing the issues.
He praised the minister’s leadership, expressing hope that his tenure would lead to positive impacts for all Nigerians.
Mr Abiodun assured the minister of his readiness to engage in collaborative efforts with the federal government to tackle the identified challenges.
The minister visited the Oyan dam and the flooded Isheri area during the tour.
