During Sunday’s edition of Inside Sources on Channels Television, former presidential aide and host Laolu Akande called for the establishment of a National Flooding Insurance Policy to shield citizens, institutions, and properties from the catastrophic impacts of flooding. In his “My Take” segment, Akande highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of flood disasters in Nigeria, urging immediate and long-term solutions to mitigate future risks.
“We must begin to seriously consider the development of a National Flooding Insurance Policy that will protect individuals, institutions, equipment, properties, and all kinds of valuables when we face overwhelming flooding disasters,” Akande remarked during the broadcast.
“Flooding is becoming a recurring problem in Nigeria, and we need to address it with a structured and proactive approach. An insurance policy is a part of this, but so are improved urban planning, enforcement of regulations, and sustainable environmental practices,” he noted.
Akande also called on federal, state, and local governments to work together to implement measures that would not only prevent disasters like the Maiduguri flood but also ensure quicker and more efficient responses when they do occur. This, he argued, should be part of a broader national strategy for disaster management and climate change adaptation.
Akande stressed that such a policy would help safeguard Nigerians, particularly vulnerable communities, against the financial and emotional toll of floods. This, he explained, was a necessary response to the growing threat of flooding disasters in the country.
He noted that with improved planning and policies in place, the government and citizens alike could be better prepared for future incidents, ensuring swift recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Commendation for the Military and Response Efforts
In addition to advocating for an insurance policy, Akande commended the Nigerian military for their critical role in the recent evacuations of over 20,000 residents in Borno State, particularly those affected by the devastating Maiduguri floods. He acknowledged their contribution to the recovery process and expressed solidarity with flood victims across the nation.
“We extend our heartfelt commemoration to victims across the country. We hope and pray for a quick recovery and restoration for them,” Akande said.
He also emphasized that this was a moment for reflection and lessons to be learned, urging authorities to investigate the underlying causes of the Maiduguri disaster. The former aide pointed to several factors, including negligence, poor enforcement of building codes, and a lack of regulatory oversight, particularly regarding the breach of the Alau Dam, which significantly contributed to the flood’s impact.
“The Maiduguri flood disaster was a direct consequence of systemic failures—negligence, a lack of proper regulatory enforcement, and violations of environmental safety measures. If these acts are established, those responsible should face accountability, and public examples must be made to prevent future occurrences,” Akande warned.
Akande’s call for a National Flooding Insurance Policy comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s preparedness for natural disasters. Experts have frequently raised the alarm that Nigeria lacks the infrastructural and institutional frameworks to respond adequately to such crises. According to Akande, a comprehensive insurance policy would not only ease the burden on affected individuals but also provide a framework for more coordinated disaster response efforts at the national level.
Shifting his focus from environmental disasters to political developments, Akande briefly addressed the stalemate in the Edo Peace Accord. He commented on the ongoing tension between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the authorities, particularly regarding the refusal of the PDP to sign the peace accord following allegations of police arresting its supporters.
“So as to ensure due process and dispel suspicion in this matter, it is advisable that police should charge the suspects [who allegedly killed a police orderly] to court in good time. Without this, the police risk being perceived as biased in next week’s election in Edo State,” Akande said, urging transparency in handling the situation.
