The Rivers State Flood Management and Prevention Committee has commenced a large-scale desilting of canals across the state to tackle persistent flooding.
Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, disclosed this on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, during an inspection of the ongoing desilting exercise at the Rumuokwurusi River in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Odu explained that the state has been experiencing blockages in creeks, rivers, and canals, which hinder the natural flow of water, particularly during heavy rainfall.
She said the government was addressing the challenge through a collaborative approach involving the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Environment, and the Flood Committee.
“We are experiencing blockages in creeks, rivers, and canals that are affecting water flow, especially during rainfall.
“To address this, the Ministry of Works is clearing some sections, the Ministry of Environment is handling others, while the Flood Committee provides additional support.”
Odu noted that flash floods have become a growing nuisance in the state, revealing that a swamp buggy is currently being used to clear the waterways to ensure smoother water flow.
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While acknowledging that some parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs have yet to be reached, she urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that the Ministries of Works and Environment will soon extend their operations to those areas.
She added that the committee was prioritizing local government areas most severely affected by flooding, and announced that relief materials will be distributed to communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada East, and Ahoada West LGAs on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
“In communities like Ndoni, especially Ward 15, which lies below sea level and floods easily, residents prefer receiving relief materials rather than relocating to IDP camps. We are packaging assistance with that in mind. Local Government Councils will also complement the State Government’s efforts by supporting other affected residents,” she stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Chituru Ogundu, representative of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), noted that following the flood predictions by NIMET, NEMA downscaled the forecast to the state level, prompting proactive measures by the Rivers State Government. He confirmed that both NEMA and the state government have been jointly providing relief materials to affected communities.
In his remarks, the Public Relations Officer of the Rumuokwurusi Traditional Rulers Council, Chief Clifford Wali, commended the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the flood committee for initiating the desilting project.
He also praised the deputy governor for personally inspecting the exercise despite the heavy downpour.
