On Wednesday, the Senate called upon relevant government agencies to release funds for the dredging of canals throughout the country, aiming to mitigate the risk of flooding during the upcoming rainy season.
Channels reported that the request was made after careful consideration of a motion addressing the urgent need for intervention in flood-related issues in Ogun, Kwara, and other regions of the country.
Ali Ndume, the Senate Majority Whip, brought attention to a motion he had previously raised during the 9th Assembly regarding the unequal distribution of loans to the six geopolitical zones by the Development Bank of Nigeria.
Following numerous meetings with the bank, the Bank of Industry, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders, the 9th Senate recommended that the banks lower the criteria for accessing loans, particularly for individuals in less-developed states.
However, dissatisfied with the outcome of the probe conducted by the 9th Senate, Ndume brought up the motion again on Wednesday.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that “the Clerk investigate whether the Senate’s recommendations on this matter had been presented to the executive.”
Another important issue discussed in the Senate on Wednesday was the problem of flooding in various parts of the country.
After the conclusion of the debate, the Senate urged relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to allocate funds for the dredging of blocked canals.
Additionally, the Senate resolved to revisit the proposed construction of dams to accommodate the excess water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.
