According to a report from Leadership, Hon. Ahmed Saba, representing the Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency of Kwara State in the House of Representatives, has unveiled his strategy to champion a bill focused on the dredging of River Niger.

Addressing the recurring issue of flooding in riverine communities across Kwara and other North Central states, Hon. Saba emphasized the importance of dredging the River Niger to mitigate such incidents significantly.

In an exclusive conversation with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Hon. Saba revealed his intention to introduce the legislative framework for the dredging initiative during an upcoming session in the National Assembly.

Prior to the bill's presentation, the lawmaker plans to initiate a motion in the House, aiming to address the immediate impact of flood disasters and provide relief to affected communities.

With a deep concern for the welfare of rural residents, particularly farmers, Hon. Saba stressed the vital role of river dredging in safeguarding lives and property. He emphasized that the benefits of this endeavor would extend beyond Kwara State, benefiting inhabitants of Kogi, Anambra, Delta, and Kebbi states.

Highlighting a commitment made by President Bola Tinubu during his 2023 campaign tour, Hon. Saba reiterated the government's pledge to prioritize the dredging of the River Niger, thereby fulfilling a crucial electoral promise.

To expedite the process, stakeholders are actively engaging in discussions within Hon. Saba's constituency, strategizing on the most effective approach to execute the dredging project and prevent the recurring losses suffered by farmers due to annual flooding.

“We sat recently at our geopolitical zone caucus meeting where we discussed about the dredging of River Niger. Very soon, we will sponsor a bill or move a motion to make it faster on the floor of the House.

“We know very well that the dredging of the river is part of campaign promises of President Bola Tinubu to our people. The dredging of the river, we know, is going to stop the recurrence of the annual flooding.

“In another way, we are thinking of meeting with the stakeholders that use River Niger, like BUA Sugar Company, Lafiagi, Nigeria Sugar Company, Bacita; Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Sugar Council.

“So, very soon, I want to call the stakeholders' meeting about it. That bridge of River Niger is not only in Kwara, Kogi and Kebbi states. We know that parts of Anambra, Delta and other places are also inclusive in the river. We are trying to discuss how cost effective the dredging will be. So, there will be a bill or a motion as soon as possible for the dredging of the river”, he said.