Maiduguri Flood Exceeded Our Expectation, VP Shettima Admits

Vice President Kashim Shettima acknowledged on Tuesday that the recent catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, surpassed projections of the Bola Tinubu administration, describing it as the worst flood to hit the city in over three decades.

Shettima spoke during an on-site assessment of the flood-ravaged areas, including parts of the Borno State government house and the Emir’s palace.

“The severity of this flood has far exceeded our estimates,” Shettima stated, “marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over 30 years.”

The VP affirmed that the flooding resulted from excess water released from the Alau Dam after its spillways collapsed.

Despite the government’s preparations based on the 2024 Flood Outlook, which included comprehensive contingency plans and proactive measures, the Vice President admitted that the scale of the disaster presented unprecedented challenges.

Shettima assured residents that the federal government, in collaboration with the Borno State government, remains committed to mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected individuals and areas.

He disclosed ongoing efforts to evacuate and resettle residents while providing food, shelter, and medical assistance.

“Despite these preparations, the severity of this flood has far exceeded our estimates, marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades. The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences. Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment. As with other states facing similar crises, we will continue with the plans previously initiated in collaboration with the Borno State government. We are resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons and areas.

“This disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to regions like ours. Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022. The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges head-on.

“In light of data gathered by our emergency response agencies and early warning centres, the government has intensified its interventions in flood-prone areas. These areas, characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics, have been prioritised in our flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities, protect agricultural zones, and reinforce critical infrastructure.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the government of Borno State for its swift and effective response to this tragic situation. I also want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience of the good people of Maiduguri and surrounding areas, who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion by being their neighbours’ keepers.”

Shettima further conveyed a message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the administration has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges head-on.

Earlier, President Tinubu sympathised with victims of the flood and ordered immediate evacuation of all those affected.

“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.

“President Tinubu assures Governor Babagana Umara Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people.

“He orders the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims,” a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said.