ITUC-Africa Calls for Immediate Assistance to Families Affected by Mokwa Flood

Strategic Insights -

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has expressed deep solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the people affected by the devastating Mokwa flood in Nigeria. The flood, which left over 150 persons dead, has highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events in Africa and the disproportionate burden borne by countries of the global South. ITUC-Africa is calling for immediate assistance, including shelter, food, medical supplies, relocation support, and rehabilitation funding, to the displaced and grieving families.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 150 lives were lost and many thousands displaced by the Mokwa flood, which destroyed homes, schools, livelihoods, and public infrastructure in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria.
  • ITUC-Africa stands in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and all affected communities, commending the prompt emergency response efforts by the Nigerian government and urging sustainability, scaling, and systematisation of these efforts.
  • The organisation calls for a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes and compounding risks of climate change, including proactive risk mapping, sustainable urban and rural planning, and the rehabilitation of critical water and drainage infrastructure.
  • ITUC-Africa urges the international community, donor agencies, climate justice advocates, and humanitarian actors to provide immediate assistance to the displaced and grieving families in Mokwa.
  • Climate change is a workplace and livelihood issue that must be met with bold, inclusive, and transformative action, with a focus on long-term adaptation and resilience investments in climate-vulnerable regions.

Statistics:

  • 150 persons dead due to the Mokwa flood (Source: ITUC-Africa statement)
  • Thousands displaced by the flood, with many left homeless and in need of relief assistance (Source: ITUC-Africa statement)
  • Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, suffered extensive damage to homes, schools, livelihoods, and public infrastructure (Source: Tribune Online)
  • Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called for proactive risk mapping, sustainable urban and rural planning, and the rehabilitation of critical water and drainage infrastructure (Source: ITUC-Africa statement)

Sources:

  • ITUC-Africa statement as quoted in the article
  • Tribune Online reports on the Mokwa flood and its impact on the people of Niger State, North-Central Nigeria
  • Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) statements and calls for action on climate change and its impact on workers and communities in Nigeria.