As in many other parts of the world, Nigeria is currently at high risk of flooding, according to the 2022 seasonal climate predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the annual Flood Outlook from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned of potentially calamitous consequences, with at least 32 states under threat of significant flooding. Beyond issuing warnings, both the national and sub-national governments must act swiftly, implementing preventive measures and preparing comprehensive emergency relief programs.

The global occurrence of flooding, even in the most advanced economies, should prompt Nigeria’s federal, state, and local governments to take proactive and robust steps to mitigate the risk. Complacency in this situation is dangerous and could have devastating consequences.

NEMA’s forecast is alarming, predicting that 233 local government areas across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory may experience severe flooding in 2022. NEMA’s Director-General, Mustapha Ahmed, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that flash floods had already claimed 372 lives in the past eight months, underlining the urgent need for defensive measures.

Floods, as the World Health Organization explains, are among the most frequent natural disasters and occur when water overflows onto land that is typically dry. Triggered by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, storm surges, or tsunamis, floods cause widespread destruction to public and private property, displacement of people, and significant loss of life. Between 1998 and 2017, floods affected over 2 billion people globally. As of 2022, floods have been reported across every continent, with several ongoing incidents. Cities, especially megacities undergoing rapid urbanization, are increasingly at risk of urban floods due to climate change and poor urban planning.

Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of floods. Unchecked urban expansion, combined with inadequate infrastructure, is compounding the problem. Without substantial changes in flood management practices, experts predict worse flooding in the coming years.

Current flood defense mechanisms, such as drainage systems and coastal barriers, are inadequate to cope with these escalating challenges. For instance, Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 caused widespread coastal flooding in China’s Greater Bay Area, resulting in 12 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Catastrophic flooding has recently claimed over 1,000 lives in Pakistan, while flash floods in Kentucky, USA, in July killed 25 people. Similarly, Nigeria has already seen devastating impacts from floods, affecting over 508,000 people, injuring 277, and destroying 37,633 houses, according to NEMA. States like Adamawa, Jigawa, Taraba, Kano, Bauchi, Niger, Anambra, and Ebonyi have suffered extensive damage, particularly to farmland.

Experts emphasize that proactive measures could prevent many of these catastrophic outcomes. Governments at all levels need to invest significantly in flood defense infrastructure, including drainage systems and flood management strategies.

Floods can result from various factors, including heavy rainfall, reservoir failures, river overflows, tidal surges, and even volcanic eruptions. In addition, the collapse of dams and retention ponds, coupled with poor construction practices and failure to follow building regulations, also contribute to flooding events.

Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable cities, stands particularly at risk. With its low elevation—just six feet above sea level—Lagos could face devastating consequences as scientists predict sea levels will rise by one meter over the next 50 years. Ongoing land reclamation projects further increase the city’s exposure to flooding, with concerns growing about the lack of compliance with environmental regulations such as the Environmental Impact Assessment Act of 1992. The Lagos State Government must look beyond short-term financial gains from these projects and prioritize the city’s long-term safety.

Nigeria’s flooding crisis is largely human-induced, driven by poor urban planning, insufficient infrastructure, inadequate waste management, and the encroachment of water plains. To avoid a repeat of the 2012 flood disaster that ravaged many states along the Niger and Benue Rivers—destroying farms, homes, bridges, and power lines—immediate preventive measures are needed. Public awareness campaigns to prevent the clogging of drainage systems with waste, as well as strict enforcement of urban planning laws, are essential.

The ecological fund, often misused, should be redirected to flood prevention and environmental protection. Clearing river channels of silt, removing debris and vegetation from watercourses, and opening up drainage systems will help manage floodwaters. Additionally, tree planting, a natural defense against erosion, should be encouraged nationwide. Reviving the National Tree Planting Campaign could make a significant impact.

Building flood defenses, such as dykes and levees, could also help mitigate the effects of flooding. In the United States, the Army Corps of Engineers has successfully used levees to protect cities from inundation, saving lives and property. Nigeria should adopt similar measures, implementing robust infrastructure projects that prevent flooding.

In summary, Nigeria must prioritize proactive measures and invest in building resilient flood defense systems. Reviving and strengthening abandoned environmental programs is crucial, and the flood alerts must not be ignored. By taking swift, coordinated action, the government can protect lives, property, and the future of the nation from the growing threat of floods.