HYPPADEC initiates move against flooding, as experts harp on turning wastes to wealth

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Development Commission(N-HYPPADEC) said it has commenced sensitizing residents of flood prone ten- member states to mitigate against the impact of recurring floods and ensuring safer communities. The Acting managing Director of the commission, Jimoh Haruna Gandi disclosed this in Lokoja on Thursday in his address to mark the celebration of […]

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Development Commission(N-HYPPADEC) said it has commenced sensitizing residents of flood prone ten- member states to mitigate against the impact of recurring floods and ensuring safer communities.

The Acting managing Director of the commission, Jimoh Haruna Gandi disclosed this in Lokoja on Thursday in his address to mark the celebration of World Environment Day 2025 by the global community.

He said the theme of this year’s world environment day, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” is a timely call to action against water flood and its likes.

The Acting managing Director who stressed that the Commission is saddled with the crucial responsibility of managing the ecological impact of hydro dams and hydroelectric power activities in ten states stated that the agency is fully committed to building Environmental Resilience in power-producing areas.

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In view of this , the HYPPADEC Boss said that the 2025 flood control projects represent more than infrastructure, but programmed to be part of a broader vision for a cleaner, safer, and more resilient environment.

“Across the world, and especially in our communities, plastic waste clogs our waterways, pollutes our farmlands, threatens wildlife, and contributes to devastating floods and health hazards. We must act, and we must act now.

“We understand the unique challenges our host communities face, especially the Ecological risks associated with hydro dam operations and overloading, including flooding, soil degradation, and displacement.

“In response, we have launched and implemented several impactful, eco-friendly initiatives to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the environment.

“Through our Annual Flood Early Warning Campaign, we are raising awareness, preparing communities ahead of the rainy season, and building resilience through timely information dissemination,” he said.

He added further that in all 10 N-HYPPADEC states, the commission have established Tree Seedlings Nurseries, each with a production capacity of 1 million seedlings annually in all 10 N- HYPPADEC states.

He said : “These nurseries are critical in restoring our green cover, preventing erosion, and combating the effects of climate change.”

However, guest speakers noted that plastic wastes in any form have aided incidence of flooding with devastating effects, calling for a lasting solution to reduce its impact in the society.

Professor Salihu Danlami Musa of the Federal University Lokoja said according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Nigeria generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.

He noted that over the years, “plastic waste has invaded our cities, choked our drainage systems, polluted our waters, and threatened both human and environmental health.

“A significant portion of this ends up in the oceans via rivers and drains.

“In Nigeria and around the world, plastic has become both a convenience and a curse.

“Economically, Nigeria loses billions of naira every year in terms of:
Cleanup costs, particularly in urban markets and public areas.”

Equally, the chairman of Nigerian Environmental Society, Kogi state chapter, Dr Ekele Thompson Ochedi said plastic materials that made its huge success, in usage in 1950 because of its mechanical resistance and low cost has become a global challenge.

“Plastic materials in different forms are in food ,we take , body and water ,we drink, causing harm to humans and aquatic lives. The time to take action is now to avoid a looming disaster in the nearest future,” he said.

Both guest speakers emphasized the need to turn the wastes to wealth to stem its health hazards, negative effect on economy and impact on flooding.

The highlight of the occasion was the flag off/ hand over of flood early warning sensitization materials; and flag off desilting/ evacuation of blocked drainages and culvert project in Lokoja.