Environmental experts have observed that Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent flooding largely due to poor road Infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems. As the 2024 rainy season moves on, governments at all levels have already swung to action, implementing measures to mitigate the effects of the crisis this year. To enhance preparedness, early warning systems have been established. The Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA) in April, identified 148 local government areas (LGA) across 31 states as high-risk flood zones for the period from April to November 2024.
States like Abuja and Lagos, which are among the high-prone areas, have already begun to struggle with rising water and flooding events during this rainy season, seriously disrupting residents’ everyday life and economic activity. On July 3, 2024, there was a significant amount of rainfall, which caused flooding in nearly every Lagos State local government area and resulted in fatalities. According to Dr. Michael Ahove, associate research professor of Climate Change and Environmental Education at Lagos State University (LASU), one of the main causes of the crisis in various areas of Nigeria is the flat terrain along the said axis.
2024 heavy rainfall already leading to flooding events.
Dr. Ahove continued by saying that the drainage systems are not large enough to hold the amount of water flowing on the roads and that the streams have not been sufficiently channelised. In response, Tokunbo Wahab, the state commissioner of environment and water resources for Lagos, stated that the crisis was a natural occurrence, adding that the state has sent teams throughout the city to control the crisis and lessen its effects. The crisis has become a recurring problem in Nigeria that affects many states and has detrimental effects on the environment, the economy, and humanitarian relief.
In response, the government and communities have taken action by implementing early warning and forecast systems. Rebuilding drainage systems and building dams are among the ongoing infrastructure upgrades intended to lessen the effects of the crisis. As earlier forecasted, 2024 heavy and continuous rainfall is already leading to significant flooding events in some areas in the country. The 2024 AFO report launched through NIHSA and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation identifies high-risk locations for the crisis. These regions comprise low-lying areas and coastal cities in Niger, Anambra, Kogi, Port Harcourt and Benue.
July to September expected to witness flooding events.
As per the report, there is a high chance of moderate flooding in 249 LGAs in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while 148 LGAs in 31 states were recognised as high risk zones. Flooding events are anticipated between April to June, July to September, and October to November. Cities that are densely populated, like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, are susceptible to both flash and urban floods. Rising sea levels and tidal surges are expected to cause coastal and riverine flooding in states including Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers. This could have an impact on wildlife habitat, fishing and river navigation.
The Nigerian government has taken various actions to improve the nation’s capacity to manage the crisis including the establishment of the National Economic Council Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response. Furthermore, state governments are urged to act quickly on the information in the 2024 AFO report, highlighting the necessity of cooperation between legislators, government agencies, and departments. They are also encouraged to put early warning systems into place, raise public awareness, and get ready for any evacuations from high-risk regions.
Related Article: July rainfall leads to widespread flooding
Disaster risk managers, farmers, and other relevant stakeholders are urged to show readiness and employ control measures in order to protect people and property, promote sustainable development, and increase public awareness and sensitisation at the local level. This will improve safety and lessen potential damages. Every effort is being made to lessen the effects of the impending crisis and avoid a repeat of the devastating floods of 2022, which damaged properties, infrastructure, agricultural lands and also affected over 2 million people in multiple states, including Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Kogi.