Breaking Nigeria’s Flood Pandemic Cycle
By Salim Yunusa,
Nigeria faces unprecedented destruction and displacement annually due to recurring floods. The northwest and northeastern regions, including Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, Taraba, Adamawa, Yobe, Jigawa, and most recently Maiduguri, have suffered severe damage.
This year’s floods echo the catastrophic events of 2022, which displaced over 1.4 million people and left entire communities struggling to recover. This disaster comes at a time when the country is already grappling with severe economic and governance crises. Recent protests highlight growing discontent with worsening economic conditions, including inflation, a volatile Naira, and skyrocketing food prices.
The cost of goods and transportation has surged, and fuel scarcity has pushed the cost of living to unbearable levels. With Nigerians already facing economic hardship and hunger, another crisis triggered by preventable floods is overwhelming.
In July 2024, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), identified 31 states as high-risk for significant flooding. Despite these warnings, floods continue to devastate the country.
While climate change contributes to the increasing frequency and intensity of these disasters, many floods are preventable and their impacts mitigated with proper planning and intervention.
The Maiduguri flood, described as the worst in Borno in over 30 years, could have been mitigated with proper maintenance of the Alao Dam. Additionally, the regular release of excess water from the Lagbo Dam in Cameroon continues to flood northern states like Niger, Jigawa, and Bauchi.
This recurring issue underscores the failure of Nigerian authorities to prevent the release of excess water and protect communities from yearly devastation. Natural disasters like floods are often preceded by warning signs that, if acted upon, allow for adequate response and mitigation.
Agencies such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and NIHSA have issued numerous flood warnings, yet the government has not sufficiently prepared or acted. Responsibility for flood prevention and mitigation rests with both federal and state governments.
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Proactive measures are needed, including relocating communities from flood-prone areas, clearing clogged drainage systems, dredging rivers, and constructing embankments. While these measures require substantial investment, their long-term benefits outweigh the costs.
Additionally, leveraging River Basin Authorities to channel floodwaters to Lake Chad could alleviate flooding and contribute to the lake’s regeneration, benefiting dependent communities. Infrastructure improvements alone are not enough.
The government must also enhance collaboration between agencies such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the media to educate the public about flood risks. Public awareness campaigns should focus on the dangers of residing in flood-prone areas and improper waste disposal that exacerbates flood risks.
Accountability is crucial. The loss of lives and properties in Maiduguri and Jigawa is not solely due to natural causes but also human negligence. The government must hold officials accountable for failing to prevent such tragedies. There should be consequences for those in authority who allow these repeated disasters without taking preventive action.
NEMA and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) must go beyond providing relief materials. Their roles should include preventive measures and community engagement. By collaborating with social media influencers, local leaders, and traditional media, they can effectively disseminate information on flood preparedness and response.
Nigeria cannot continue to suffer from the same cycle of destruction and displacement each year. The effects of climate change, combined with the government’s failure to implement effective flood control measures, exacerbate the country’s food insecurity and create new humanitarian crises.
Immediate action is needed to dredge rivers, clear drainage systems, relocate at-risk communities, and build infrastructure to protect citizens from floods. In conclusion, while climate change undeniably affects flooding, many of Nigeria’s floods are preventable.
The recurring devastation highlights a governance failure rather than a mere act of nature. The government must take decisive action to end this cycle of destruction through comprehensive preparedness, mitigation, and rehabilitation efforts. This approach will protect lives, livelihoods, and the country’s future against the growing threat of climate-related disasters.
