Earlier this year, as the rainy season approached, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in its weather forecast, as it has done in recent years, warned of impending flooding.
As forewarned, the rain is here, so is the flood. The consequences, though not as massive as two seasons ago, are huge.
Mrs Aishatu Abu’s eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at the ruins that used to be her home. It has been submerged in the murky waters of the overflowing river.
The floods had come without warning, sweeping away her livelihood, her memories and her sense of security. She is not alone. The victims across the country are many.
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Thousands of Nigerians, such as Abu, have been affected by the recent flood season with their lives turned upside down by the raging waters.
The floods spotlight the urgent need for effective disaster risk management in Nigeria.
Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), urges a comprehensive action plan to address disaster risks in Nigeria.
He advocated a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria considering new and emerging hazards associated with it.
Umar spoke at a recent Expert Workshop on Early Warning For All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030 in Abuja.
He said Nigeria faced severe vulnerabilities due to poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change.
Umar said that the Sahel region, where Nigeria is located, is prone to various disasters, including floods, landslides, droughts, and conflicts.
“A review of NEMA’s existing plans has indicated an urgent need for a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria, considering new and emerging hazards.
“This is to align with the Sendai Framework and African Programme of Action (PoA) to increase disaster resilience and drive sustainable development.
“The current escalations of conflicts, banditry, annual floods, and extreme weather events have triggered the desire to develop this DRR Strategy and Action Plan for Nigeria,” she said.
One of the agencies at the centre of disaster mitigation, NiMet, is worried that many Nigerians do not heed early warnings seriously, hence the enormity of damage usually caused by floods and other disasters.
Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, spoke in Abuja, at a three-day Expert Workshop on Early Warning For All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030.
“Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike at any moment, leaving devastating impacts on communities and livelihoods. Early warning systems are the first line of defence against disasters.
“They provide critical seconds, minutes, or hours for people to seek safety, evacuate, or take necessary precautions.
“However, an early warning is only effective if it reaches all those at risk. In Nigeria, we face various hazards, from floods to landslides, droughts, and conflicts.
“The impact of these disasters can be catastrophic, but we can mitigate them through proactive and inclusive approaches.
“That’s why we must prioritise early warning for all. We need to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, language, or socioeconomic status, receives timely and accurate warnings,” Anosike said.
Anosike said that to achieve this, Nigeria should invest in robust early warning systems that leverage technology and community networks and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
He stressed the need to conduct regulatory and public awareness campaigns, foster collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, and support disaster risk reduction education in schools and communities.
Anosike called on all stakeholders working on disaster management and prevention to cooperate for better results.
“By working together, we can build a culture of resilience and reduce the risk of disasters in Nigeria. Let us commit to protecting our people, our communities, and our nation,” he said.
As the country seeks to build resilience against disasters, it must prioritise the needs of affected communities and escalate investment in disaster-related areas.
By investing in robust early warning systems, conducting regulatory and public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and local communities, Nigeria can reduce the risk of disasters and protect its citizens from their aftermath.
Anambra is one of the flood-prone states in the country and Dr Nonye Soludo, the governor’s wife, wants residents of previously flood-hit communities to always take proactive measures during rainy season by moving to higher grounds.
Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Ogbaru are among the high flood-risk areas.
She urged community leaders, churches, and well-meaning individuals to assist residents who may be affected by the flood.
In Niger State, the management of North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) has sensitised communities around the Shiroro Hydro-Electric Power Plant to desist from water-based activities.
Mr Olubunmi Peters, the Vice Chairman, North South Power Company Limited (NSPCL), identified poor maintenance of drainage systems as part of the causes of flooding.
He, therefore, emphasised the need for the government to start intensive desilting of drains and flood channels as well as intensify climate information services, especially to farmers. As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of disaster risk management, it is clear that a comprehensive action plan is needed to address the challenge.
By working together, government agencies, NGOs and local communities can build a culture of resilience and reduce the risk of disasters in the country.
Already, the federal government said it is taking the bull by the horns by supporting states in their efforts to manage flood disasters.
According to Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, while speaking in Birnin Kebbi, the federal government would provide N3 billion to states to mitigate the impact of floods.
While this year’s rainy season is in its twilight it is important that more measures are taken to apply the lessons learnt this year in preparing for flooding and other disasters next season. (NANFeatures)
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