The Nasarawa State Government has urged residents living in flood-prone areas to immediately relocate to higher ground to avoid potential loss of lives during the rainy season.
Margaret Elayo, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, issued the directive on Saturday, May 31, in Lafia while addressing journalists after monitoring the May edition of the monthly sanitation exercise.
Elayo said the warning followed recent predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and previous flood incidents that resulted in casualties and destruction of property. With reports that some states have already begun experiencing flooding, she emphasised the urgency for vulnerable communities to take preventive action.
“We are partnering with Local Government Area chairmen and traditional rulers to guide those affected by this relocation directive on where to go for their safety,” Elayo stated. “They should pick up their valuables and leave their homes for now so that when flooding eventually happens, no lives will be lost.”
She also appealed to the public to stop dumping refuse in drains and building on waterways, noting that such actions worsen flooding. Elayo announced plans to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the importance of clearing water channels, working with traditional and religious leaders, community heads, and mass media platforms.
She further pledged to ensure the recycling plant in Akurba, Lafia becomes operational, aiming to curb indiscriminate waste disposal. Elayo described the sight of refuse littered on streets as unacceptable and warned that individuals engaging in such practices risk facing sanctions.
Expressing concern over low participation in the monthly clean-up exercise, Elayo called for greater cooperation from residents. “If the environment is kept clean, it will guard against possible outbreaks of disease and ensure improved healthy living for the people,” she said, adding that the ministry is committed to making Nasarawa one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.
In a related development, Abubakar Mohammed, Chief Prosecutor Officer in the ministry, disclosed that 168 individuals were arrested across the state for violating sanitation laws. He said the offenders were caught conducting business activities during the sanitation period, which is prohibited under Section 9(2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.
