Anambra State Legislature Calls in Top Officials to Address Flood Crisis

The Anambra State House of Assembly has taken a decisive step by summoning key government officials and commissioners to discuss strategies for mitigating and preventing flood disasters that have been wreaking havoc across the state, particularly in the wake of persistent rainfall that has caused water levels from the River Niger to rise, resulting in widespread flooding in communities such as Ogbaru, Idemili North, and Oyi LGAs.

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Many houses, markets, and business premises in these flood-prone areas have been submerged, with notable examples including Relief Market, Ochanja Market, and Building Materials Market Ogidi, as well as parts of Onitsha, which have borne the brunt of the flooding, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

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Videos circulating online have revealed the devastating impact of the flooding, with two persons reported missing and feared drowned at the Building Materials Market, while the force of the flood has also swept away fences and damaged roads, leaving many families stranded and seeking refuge in upland areas.

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A resident of Ogidi, who identified herself as Chinyere, expressed her desperation, stating that the flood had destroyed her poultry farm, sweeping away most of her birds and ruining her hopes and investments, as she had borrowed money at a high interest rate to invest in large-scale poultry farming this year.

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Videos and pictures on social media have shown motorists and residents, including women and children, wading through the waters, with submerged streets, roads, cars, and houses, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent intervention.

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The state Assembly's decision to invite the commissioners and relevant officials was reached during Tuesday's plenary, with the lawmakers expressing concern over the increasing dangers and devastating effects of flooding in different parts of the state, and resolving to invite the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi.

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These officials are scheduled to appear before the Assembly on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2pm, to discuss measures to address the flooding crisis, which has been exacerbated by blocked drainages and poor environmental practices, according to the Minority Leader and member representing Nnewi South Constituency II, Johnbosco Akaegbobi.

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Akaegbobi lamented the destructive impact of flooding on lives and property, citing recent incidents, including the sweeping away of a Toyota Venza vehicle by floodwaters, which highlights the intensity and danger posed by flooding in the state, and emphasizing the need for urgent action to mitigate its effects.

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Other lawmakers, including the Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, Tony Muobike of Aguata Constituency II, Obi Nweke, representing Anambra East Constituency, and Emma Nwafor, representing Orumba South Constituency, also contributed to the discussion, noting that flood disasters have continued to damage houses, farmlands, roads, and other valuable property, especially in densely populated commercial cities such as Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka.

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The lawmakers called for proper channelisation of flood waters and discharge points, intensified sensitisation on proper refuse disposal, and the construction of catchment points in homes, stressing that it is the constitutional responsibility of government to protect lives and property, and citing a case in which a tricycle rider was reportedly found dead in Onitsha following a flood incident.

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The Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, thanked the mover of the motion and noted that the resolution would go a long way in addressing flooding challenges in the state, emphasizing that it is the duty of lawmakers to speak for Ndi Anambra and to take decisive action to mitigate the effects of flooding and protect the lives and property of the state's citizens.