The Edo State Government has deployed a team of environmental and hydrology experts to Rivers and Akwa Ibom States to study their flood control strategies, with the aim of replicating successful models in Benin City and other parts of Edo prone to flooding.
The move follows days of heavy rainfall that left parts of Benin submerged, prompting the state government to explore tested solutions adopted by previous administrations in both states, specifically under former governors Nyesom Wike and Godswill Akpabio.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He said the initiative is driven by a desire to learn from models that have produced measurable results.
“The approach is premised on learning from working models and replicating tested solutions that delivered real results for the people,” the statement read.
Itua noted that both Akwa Ibom and Rivers are widely acknowledged for transforming some of Nigeria’s most flood-prone areas into well-managed environments through strategic infrastructure and drainage planning.
“With the rainy season already tilting towards its peak, the timing of the exercise is strategic.
“It provides the experts with a unique opportunity to observe and assess the true extent of flooding in real time across Benin City and other vulnerable parts of the State,”Itua said.
According to the statement, the visiting experts will focus on understanding terrain patterns, the state of existing drainage systems, and areas with recurring cases of erosion and overflow.
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Their findings and recommendations will be submitted to the governor for evaluation and eventual implementation.
The Okpebholo administration also plans to demolish buildings, both private and commercial, erected along waterways to enable the construction of proper surface and underground drainage systems, particularly within Government Reservation Areas in Benin.
“Property owners with verified documents will be compensated by the Government, while others will be relocated to safe areas,” Itua said.
He further announced that the state’s comprehensive flood control project in Benin City will begin after the peak of the rainy season and would be completed within a short timeframe.
Taking a swipe at the previous administration, the statement criticised its interventions as “marred by mismanagement, half-hearted execution, and diversion of funds under the guise of erosion control.”
Itua added,”This new initiative will be comprehensive, transparent, and targeted at delivering a permanent fix.
“The era of seasonal flooding, paralysing communities, and threatening livelihoods in Edo is coming to an end.”
He assured residents that Okpebholo’s government is committed to proactive leadership and responsive governance, aimed at giving citizens peace of mind during the rainy season.
