The Federal Ministry of Environment has mobilized a team of experts to assist the Borno State government in addressing the impacts of recent flooding that severely affected the region. In a statement released by Minister Balarabe Lawal, the deployment includes specialists from various departments and agencies dedicated to environmental management and health.
In response to the devastating floods, which prompted a condolence visit to Borno State on September 13, 2024, the Minister emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to mitigate the environmental challenges arising from the disaster. The expert team will focus on continuous water sampling and testing to identify hazardous chemicals and implement proactive measures to prevent waterborne diseases.
To ensure safe drinking water, the Ministry has already dispatched 100 drums of chlorine, each weighing 40 kg, for water disinfection. Additionally, 30,000 flyers will be distributed to educate the public on sanitation and hygiene practices, emphasizing proper waste disposal, frequent handwashing, and personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
Beyond immediate response efforts, the Ministry is committed to collaborating with Borno State to develop comprehensive flood mitigation strategies and early warning systems aimed at preventing future disasters. The Minister also expressed intentions to seek partnerships with international organizations to enhance the state’s disaster risk management capabilities.
Minister Lawal commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive leadership in mobilizing resources and ensuring the safety of affected communities. He expressed confidence that, under the Governor’s guidance, Borno State would recover from this tragedy, showcasing the resilience of its people.
The Nigerian Government remains resolute in its commitment to bolster resilience against environmental challenges and support Borno State in its recovery efforts.
