BAUCHI — The North East Stakeholders Forum for Sustainable Development (NESFSD) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) over the release of ₦80 billion to tackle flooding in vulnerable communities.
The commendation was contained in a joint statement issued in Bauchi by NESFSD National Chairman, Alhaji Murtala Sule Jalingo, and Secretary General, Comrade Danladi Bawa Gombe.
The group described the intervention as timely and proactive, noting that the fund would help prevent the collapse of critical infrastructure such as dams and bridges threatened by recurring floods.
“This intervention is a crucial step to safeguard infrastructure and protect lives in flood-prone communities,” the forum stated.
NESFSD noted that the release of the funds comes amid warnings that millions of Nigerians in low-lying areas could face severe flooding if persistent heavy rainfall continues.
While applauding the Federal Government’s swift response, the forum called for additional funding to address growing environmental challenges across the region.
The stakeholders also praised the Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, for what they described as effective leadership and commitment to project execution.
They highlighted his strategy of regular project monitoring, field assessments and performance evaluations as key to ensuring quality delivery.
The forum further commended the commission’s flood preparedness campaigns, which include early community sensitisation ahead of the rainy season.
According to the group, HYPPADEC has implemented several community-focused projects across the North East, including the distribution of 1,100 life jackets, provision of boats for riverine communities, installation of solar streetlights and construction of solar-powered boreholes.
“The commission also handled the desilting of drainages, construction of classrooms, and paid NECO examination fees for indigent students,” the statement added.
In Taraba State, the commission deployed water transport facilities and carried out large-scale drainage clearance projects, alongside support for farmers and electricity infrastructure.
NESFSD maintained that HYPPADEC is fulfilling its mandate of mitigating ecological challenges caused by hydroelectric activities while promoting sustainable development in host communities.
