Flood: Nasarawa government shuts down Sandaji Hotel over alleged violation of environmental laws

By Egbunu Umar Muhammed, Lafia

The Nasarawa State Government has ordered the temporary closure of Sandaji Hotel, Lafia, due to non-compliance with environmental standards.

The commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margret Elayo, Commissioner, who order the closure of the hotel in Lafia while inspecting flooding that affected the area owing to heavy downpour that lasted over several hours, emphasised that the decision became imperative to protect any loss of lives and property around the location of the hotel.

According to her, the heavy downpour that lasted for several hours had led to flooding that submerged houses, shops and the hotel and the government needed to act urgently to avert escalation of the situation.

Her words, “I have responded swiftly to the reports of flooding in the capital city due to the long hours of rainfall and discovered some buildings that blocked waterways,” she said.

She cautioned members of the public to desist from disposing of waste in drainage around their houses and shops as well as not to build in waterways to avoid causing flooding.

The environmental commissioner also called on households residing in flood-prone areas to temporarily relocate to safer zones until the rain subsides.

Our correspondent reports that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has identified Lafia as one of the places in the state that are likely to face severe flooding in 2026.