The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed sympathy with the governments and people of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe following devastating floods that have killed more than 100 people and displaced thousands across parts of Southern Africa.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Nigeria said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and widespread destruction” caused by weeks of torrential rainfall in the affected countries.
The statement noted that Nigeria “commiserates with the affected countries over the immense human and material losses arising from the floods,” adding that the disaster had overwhelmed rivers, damaged roads and bridges, displaced large populations, and disrupted agricultural production and essential services.
According to the government, it is also “concerned about the secondary humanitarian impacts of the floods, including food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and the heightened vulnerability of women, children, and other at-risk populations.”
Nigeria expressed solidarity with ongoing rescue, evacuation and relief operations, stating that it “stands with the national authorities, regional institutions and international humanitarian partners currently responding to the disaster.”
The Federal Government further highlighted the increasing danger of climate-related disasters on the continent, stressing that “the growing threat posed by climate-related extreme weather events across Africa underscores the need for strengthened regional cooperation, early-warning systems, climate adaptation strategies and sustained international support.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to cooperation, the statement said the country “assures the affected nations of its continued goodwill and support at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels in promoting disaster preparedness, humanitarian response and climate resilience.”
“The thoughts and prayers of the Government and people of Nigeria are with the Governments and people of South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and all other affected countries during this difficult period,” the statement added.