The federal government is considering integrating hydropower into flood control projects to improve water management and create jobs.
The minister of water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Friday after inspecting some flood control facilities and flood-affected communities in Lagos State.
Mr Utsev said that adding hydropower to flood control infrastructure would increase their value while creating employment opportunities through their operations and maintenance.
“Incorporation of hydropower will create jobs because the infrastructure will require regular maintenance and people will be engaged to manage the facilities,” he said.
He said the proposal would be implemented through collaborations between the federal government and state governments as part of efforts to strengthen flood resilience across the country.
Mr Utsev said the federal government would continue to work with state governments, the private sector and development partners to develop lasting solutions to flooding and improve water infrastructure across the country.
The director-general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Umar Mohammed, said the minister’s proposal would be considered as part of ongoing technical plans.
“The honourable minister suggested incorporating electricity generation into future flood control projects, and this will form part of the options we are considering,” he said.
Mr Mohammed said that Nigeria could still experience flooding in the coming weeks because of climate change and the above-normal rainfall predicted for the year.
He said that climate change had continued to affect weather and water systems, making flooding more difficult to predict.
Mr Mohammed recalled that the federal government presented the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook in April, warning that higher rainfall this year could lead to increased flooding.
“That is why we are witnessing flooding in many parts of Lagos.
“We do not hope the flooding will continue, but because more rainfall is expected, there is the possibility of more flooding,” he said.
The minister’s visit followed recent flooding in several parts of Lagos after heavy rainfalls.
The flood submerged roads, damaged homes and disrupted businesses and movement.
The inspection was aimed to assess the extent of the flooding, evaluate existing flood control infrastructure and identify measures to reduce the impact of future flooding.
Mr Utsev inspected major drainage channels, flood control facilities and affected communities during the visit.
He also interacted with Lagos State officials and residents to know the challenges caused by the flooding and practical solutions for improving flood management in the state.
(NAN)
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