Senate demands urgent response to flooding, cost-of-living crisis

The Senate has expressed urgent concern over the devastating impact of flooding on communities, farmers, and families throughout Nigeria. In a resumption of plenary session, Speaker of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, highlighted the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and relief efforts across all levels of government. Akpabio emphasized the importance of early preparations for floods, robust protection of vulnerable communities, and the swift delivery of relief materials to affected individuals.

Akpabio warned that the consequences of flooding extend beyond the immediate destruction of homes and agricultural lands, warning that the loss of crops could exacerbate food insecurity across the nation. "When a farmer loses his harvest, our country loses food it can ill afford to spare. When a family loses its home, the nation has a stake in helping that family rise again," he stressed.

The Senate President commended the efforts of agencies and individuals involved in emergency response but urged all levels of government to respond to disasters with increased speed and preparedness. Akpabio also addressed economic concerns, noting that the Senate must remain vigilant to the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians as lawmakers deliberate on economic reforms and policies.

"Many Nigerians continue to bear a very heavy cost of living," he pointed out, highlighting the rising prices of food and the hardships faced by unemployed graduates. The senator emphasized that lawmakers should prioritize the experiences of citizens outside the National Assembly when making legislative decisions, as the Senate resumes its legislative activities.