Flooding: CPI, others Present Ganaja Charter, Urge Kogi Govt to Tackle IDPs’ Plight
A coalition of non-governmental organisations Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS), and Arctic Infrastructure (AI) has called on the Kogi State Government to urgently address the worsening humanitarian conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ganaja community following recurrent flooding.
The groups made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where they presented the Ganaja Charter of Demands and Flood Resilience Action Plan (2025).
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.
- Advertisement -
“The proximity of the River Niger has continually exposed Ganaja to recurring floods with devastating consequences on livelihoods,” she said. “Women, children and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected due to limited access to healthcare and social protection services.”
Agbogun explained that the absence of effective erosion control systems and flood management infrastructure 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 added.
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.
“The Ganaja Charter of Demands reflects collective priorities identified through extensive community consultations and technical assessments,” Agbogun stated. “It 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.”
According to her, 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 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,” Abdulkadir said. “Many families are living in deplorable conditions with limited access to essential services.”
He noted that the use of schools as temporary shelters has disrupted academic activities.
“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,” he added.
Abdulkadir further appealed for improved water transportation and safety measures.
“Provision of safe water transportation options, life jackets and speedboats will enhance the safety of residents within and around Ganaja community,” he said. “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.”
Responding, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Moses Dare, expressed the ministry’s readiness to partner with the organisations to address the challenges.
“We are willing to collaborate to ensure these issues are addressed swiftly. The present administration is committed to improving the welfare of citizens,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, David 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.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 18TH 2026)
