The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the Federal Government to urgently provide financial and material assistance to Kebbi State, where recent flooding left farmlands, homes, and critical infrastructure devastated.
The flooding in Kebbi State began to intensify in July 2025 following weeks of heavy rainfall and the controlled release of water from dams on the River Goronyo and River Niger. Reports of destroyed houses and submerged farmlands date back to early July, while warnings, evacuations, and emergency preparedness measures have continued through August.
In a solidarity letter to Governor Nasir Idris, signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC said it was deeply saddened by the scale of destruction, which has displaced residents and claimed lives. The labour body warned that the disaster, which wiped out farmlands, posed a national threat given Kebbi’s status as one of Nigeria’s food baskets.
“We have watched with deep anguish as the relentless waters have not only submerged farmlands, the very source of sustenance and economic vitality for the masses, but have also swept away homes, damaged critical public infrastructure, and, most tragically, claimed precious human lives,” read the letter shared with The PUNCH on Tuesday.
The NLC commended the governor’s swift response, particularly the constitution of a high-powered committee chaired by the Commissioner for Works to inspect damages, provide verifiable evidence, and recommend recovery measures.
According to the union, the proactive approach reflects leadership that is “strategically focused on restoration and future mitigation.”
Ajaero urged the governor not to be discouraged by the scale of destruction, describing the task of rehabilitation as herculean but achievable with resilience.
He noted that Kebbi’s recovery efforts should inspire national solidarity, stressing that the destruction of farmlands in particular is not just a local misfortune but a national concern, since Kebbi remains one of Nigeria’s food baskets.
The comrade said the devastation therefore touches the stomach of the nation, making the burden one that must be shared across the country.
While commending the state government’s measures, the labour body pressed the Federal Government to step in immediately, stressing that the destruction of roads, bridges, and public facilities is a national economic concern.
It called for substantial federal support in the repair and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, the provision of relief materials and palliatives to affected communities, and the strengthening of Kebbi’s strategies to avert future occurrences as will be identified by the state’s assessment committee.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the working people and citizens of Kebbi State in this difficult time,” the statement added. “Just as trade unions thrive on unity and collective action, so too can our nation weather storms and floods when government at all levels and the people act together in shared responsibility.”
The NLC reaffirmed its pride in Governor Idris’s commitment to workers’ welfare and praised his administration’s efforts to cushion the impact of the flooding. It said the tragedy should serve as an opportunity to build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.
“History teaches us that great leaders are often defined by how they respond to adversity. What now appears as tragedy can be transformed into an opportunity,” Ajaero said.
