By Admin
A coalition of Non-governmental organisations has called on the Kogi Government to urgently address the worsening humanitarian conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp at Ganaja following last year’s flooding.
The NGOs, Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS), and Arctic Infrastructure (AI),
made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Kogi Ministry of Agriculture and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) recently.
During the visits the coalition presented the Ganaja Charter of Demands and Flood Resilience Action Plan (2025) to the Agriculture Commissioner and the SEMA Executive Secretary.
Executive Director of CPI, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, lamented the devastating impact of annual flooding on livelihoods, infrastructure and social services, noting that women, children and persons with disabilities bear the brunt of the crisis.
Agbogun lamented, “The proximity of the River Niger has continually exposed Ganaja to recurring floods with devastating consequences on livelihoods.
“Women, children and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected due to limited access to healthcare and social protection services.”
“Worse still is the absence of effective erosion control systems and flood management infrastructure, which has worsened the situation, leading to the displacement of hundreds of households yearly.
“The frequent flooding disrupts education, healthcare and commerce. The absence of adequate flood management infrastructure and safe shelters amplifies vulnerabilities during emergencies,” she said.
She disclosed that the Ganaja community, with technical support from HBS, AI and CPI, co-developed the Charter of Demands through participatory workshops held between 2024 and 2025.
According to her, the Ganaja Charter of demands reflects collective priorities identified through extensive community consultations and technical assessments.
The executive director said the charter highlights urgent infrastructure, social service and environmental resilience needs that must be addressed to reduce exposure to flooding and strengthen long-term safety, mobility and livelihoods.
“The key demands include the rehabilitation of Nyama Nyama Road, provision of a functional primary healthcare centre, improved welfare for IDPs, dredging of waterways and construction of additional dams, as well as the provision of potable water, ” she added.
Agbogun urged the Ministry of Agriculture and SEMA to collaborate closely with civil society organisations, especially as the rainy season approaches.
Speaking on behalf of IDPs, Umar Abdulkadir decried the dire living conditions in temporary camps, calling for immediate government intervention.
“The IDPs are facing significant challenges in accessing basic necessities such as shelter, clean water, sanitation and hygiene materials, food and other non-food items.
“Many families are living in deplorable conditions with limited access to essential services, ” he lamented.
Abdulkadir noted that the use of schools as temporary shelters has disrupted academic activities.
He said, “This has spillover effects on our schools, stalling the academic progress of our children. The lack of shelter, WASH materials, food and other essentials has resulted in health risks, protection and security concerns, malnutrition and reduced dignity.”
Abdulkadir further appealed for improved water transportation and safety measures.
He added, “Provision of safe water transportation options, life jackets and speedboats will enhance the safety of residents within and around Ganaja community.
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“We also call for post-flood livelihood support and economic empowerment programmes, as well as an inclusive monitoring system involving community members, civil society and the media to ensure transparency and accountability.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Timothy Ojoma, called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts in dredging the River Niger and constructing additional dams to mitigate flooding nationwide.
“Flooding has become a major environmental threat to many communities across the country. It requires collective efforts to address,” Ojoma said.
“On the issue of IDP welfare, which is very critical, the State Government is already proposing the construction of a permanent IDP camp in Ganaja under the supervision of the Deputy Governor. This will prevent disruption of academic activities during flooding.”
Also speaking, the Director of Administration at SEMA, Samuel Ikure, commended CPI and its partners for developing the Charter of Demands.
“This is a welcome development. Our agency is always open to collaboration aimed at safeguarding lives and property. That is the hallmark of a responsive government,” Ikure said. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
