..Lawmakers seek emergency relief materials, preventive measures, and urgent Federal Government intervention
By Gideon Bassey
The House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at its plenary of Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Benjamin Okezie Kalu, considered a Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the devastating flood incidents ravaging several communities in Akwa Ibom State.
The motion was co-sponsored by the Honourable Member representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency, Hon. Uduak Alphonsus Odudoh, and the Honourable Member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Hon. Mark Esset Udo, pursuant to Order 8, Rule 4(1)(i) and (ii) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, 2025.
Leading the debate, Hon. Odudoh noted that environmental protection constitutes an integral part of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, as encapsulated in Section 20 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard Nigeria’s water, air, land, forests, and wildlife.
The federal lawmaker further observed that while communities within Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency are situated along Nigeria’s coastal belt and are therefore particularly prone to coastal flooding and other climate-induced environmental hazards, communities within Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency have likewise continued to suffer the devastating effects of flooding.
Chronicling the recent incidents, Hon. Odudoh informed the House that between 16th and 17th July, 2026, the communities of Okoromboho, Iko, Elile, Amadaka, Okoroete, Emeroke I, and Emeroke II in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area were severely taken over by floodwaters, resulting in the destruction of homes, farmlands, fishing equipment, schools, and other critical means of livelihood.
He further disclosed that on 18th July, 2026, residents of Okon Community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area and Ikot Akpaden Community in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area experienced similar flooding, while several other coastal communities within the federal constituency remain under imminent threat.
The lawmaker also reminded the House that, over the weekend, major streets and communities including Nkemba, Iya, Ikono, Abak Road, Ifa Atai, and adjoining areas within Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency were submerged by floodwaters, thereby exposing residents to avoidable hardship and undermining their socio-economic wellbeing.
Seconding the motion, the Honourable Member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Hon. Mark Esset Udo, expressed deep concern over the recurring flood disasters in Akwa Ibom State. He lamented that despite repeated appeals for intervention, the menace has persisted, leaving vulnerable communities exposed to enormous humanitarian and economic losses.
Also contributing to the debate, the Honourable Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, underscored the urgency of the matter and urged the House to give the motion the expeditious consideration it deserved.
The sponsors consequently urged the House to: Call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately undertake a comprehensive assessment of the affected communities and provide emergency relief materials, temporary shelter, and other humanitarian assistance to victims; and Mandate the House Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and Environment to conduct a detailed assessment of the affected areas within the affected federal constituencies and report back to the House within two (2) weeks.
Following overwhelming support from members, the House unanimously adopted the motion and referred it to the relevant House Committees for further legislative action.
Research, Documentation and Public Enlightenment Unit,
Office of the Honourable Member Representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency
National Assembly, Abuja
22nd July, 2026
