The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned key government officials and commissioners to appear before it over the worsening flood situation across the state and measures being put in place to prevent future disasters.
The move comes as persistent rainfall and rising water levels from the River Niger have submerged homes, markets, farmlands and business premises in several flood-prone communities across the state.
Communities in Ogbaru, Idemili North and Oyi Local Government Areas were among the worst affected, with residents counting losses as floodwaters swept through residential and commercial areas.
Major markets impacted by the flooding include Relief Market, Ochanja Market, Building Materials Market in Ogidi and several parts of Onitsha.
Reports from affected communities indicate that the flood has caused extensive damage to property, disrupted economic activities and forced many residents to relocate to safer areas.
Videos circulating on social media showed submerged streets, roads, vehicles and buildings, while residents, including women and children, were seen wading through floodwaters.
There were also reports that two persons were missing and feared drowned at the Building Materials Market in Ogidi, while several fences and sections of roads were destroyed by the force of the flood.
During a visit to some of the affected communities, residents appealed to the government for urgent intervention, describing the flooding as devastating to their livelihoods.
One resident of Ogidi, identified simply as Chinyere, said the flood had destroyed her poultry business.
“I am a poultry farmer. The flood has swept away most of my birds. I had planned to relocate them, but the flood came suddenly. It has ruined my hopes and wasted my labour.
“I borrowed money at a high interest rate to invest in large-scale poultry farming this year. I do not know where to start from,” she lamented.
Concerned by the development, the House of Assembly, during plenary on Tuesday, resolved to invite relevant government officials to explain measures being taken to address the recurring flooding challenge.
Those invited include the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu; and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi.
The officials are expected to appear before the lawmakers on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2 pm.
Moving the motion of urgent public importance, the Minority Leader and member representing Nnewi South Constituency II, Johnbosco Akaegbobi, expressed concern over the increasing threat posed by flooding to lives and property.
He noted that many residents had continued to suffer significant losses due to blocked drainage channels and poor environmental practices.
Akaegbobi pointed to recent incidents circulating on social media, including a case where floodwaters reportedly swept away a Toyota Venza vehicle, as evidence of the growing danger.
“Several residents have continued to suffer losses due to blocked drainages and poor environmental practices.
“Recent incidents, including reports of floodwaters sweeping away a Toyota Venza vehicle, clearly show the intensity and danger posed by flooding in the state,” he said.
Contributing to the debate, the Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, alongside Tony Muobike of Aguata Constituency II, Obi Nweke of Anambra East Constituency and Emma Nwafor of Orumba South Constituency, highlighted the widespread destruction caused by recurring floods.
The lawmakers observed that homes, farmlands, roads and businesses had suffered severe damage, particularly in major urban centres such as Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka.
They blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse for the blockage of drainage systems and worsening flood conditions in many communities.
The lawmakers also cited reports of a tricycle rider who was allegedly found dead in Onitsha following a flood incident.
They called for the proper channelisation of floodwaters, improved drainage systems, intensified public awareness campaigns on environmental sanitation and proper waste disposal, as well as the construction of flood catchment facilities in residential areas.
According to them, government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the lawmakers for raising the issue and expressed confidence that the Assembly’s intervention would contribute significantly to addressing flooding challenges in the state.
He emphasised that it is the responsibility of legislators to speak on behalf of the people and ensure that government agencies take proactive steps to safeguard communities from environmental disasters.
