Senate demands urgent response to flooding, cost-of-living crisis

The Senate on Tuesday expressed concern over the impact of flooding on communities, farmers and families across the country, urging governments at all levels to improve disaster preparedness and relief efforts. President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, spoke during the resumption of plenary, where he also highlighted the rising cost of living and its impact on Nigerian households. Akpabio called for early preparation for floods, adequate protection of vulnerable communities and prompt delivery of relief materials to victims. “A warning must lead to preparation, preparation must lead to protection, and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended,” Akpabio said. He said the effects of flooding went beyond the immediate destruction of homes and farmlands, warning that the loss of agricultural produce could worsen food insecurity. “When a farmer loses his harvest, our country loses food it can ill afford to spare. When a family loses its home, the nation has a stake in helping that family rise again,” he stated. Senate urges FG to rescue abducted victims, protect vulnerable communities Abia decries vandalism of power assets, public projects Tinubu, Otedola meet at private dinner in France The Senate President commended agencies and individuals involved in emergency response but urged governments at all levels to respond to disasters with greater speed and preparedness.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google On the economy, Akpabio said the Senate must remain attentive to the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians as lawmakers consider economic reforms and policies. “Many Nigerians continue to bear a very heavy cost of living,” he said, stressing that “policymakers must not lose sight of how economic conditions affect ordinary Nigerians.” He cited rising food costs and the difficulties faced by unemployed graduates as examples of the economic pressures confronting Nigerians. Akpabio said the experiences of citizens outside the National Assembly should remain central to lawmakers’ deliberations as the Senate resumes its legislative activities. Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties

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