•High flood risk areas identified in 31 states, including LGs in A’Ibom, Lagos, Adamawa, Ogun, Benue
•Preventive measures initiated by states such as building demolitions and relocation of residents in Lagos and Benue
In a recent briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, disclosed that the Federal Government has reached out to 31 governors to alert them about potential flooding in their states from April to November this year.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, a federal government entity, revealed that a total of 148 local government areas in 31 states, including Lagos, Kano, and Delta, have been classified as high flood-risk zones.
State governments have already begun taking precautionary measures, such as demolishing buildings near river channels, relocating residents, and ensuring drainage systems are clear to mitigate the impact of the anticipated floods.
The minister highlighted that parts of 31 states are earmarked as high flood-risk areas, while the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to face moderate flood occurrences.
He mentioned, “High flood-risk states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe.”
According to the forecast, regions labeled as high flood risk will face adverse conditions from April to November 2024, significantly impacting various aspects such as population, agriculture, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted that areas at moderate flood risk will experience flooding within the same period.
He elaborated, “Moderate impact floods are expected in certain local government areas during three main periods: April, May, and June; July, August, and September; and October and November 2024.”
The minister also mentioned the likelihood of urban and flash floods in city centers nationwide.
He stated, “Cities like Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin-Kebbi, Calabar, Ibadan, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Nguru, Onitsha, Oshogbo, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri, and Yola are expected to experience urban floods.”
Additionally, coastal states including Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo are at risk of coastal flooding due to rising sea levels and tidal actions, which will impact areas like fishing, wildlife, and river navigation.
FG’s Advisory to Governors
To proactively address the flood risk, the water resources minister disclosed that he has formally notified state governors to prepare for potential flooding and take necessary measures to minimize the impact on their states.
“State governors have been provided with detailed information, including maps, on the specific LGAs that will be affected and the expected flood levels,” he added.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Clement Nze, emphasized the importance of stakeholders, policymakers, and government agencies utilizing the information provided in the 2024 AFO for preparedness and response strategies.
Nze stressed the need for environmental cleanliness, proper waste management, and effective flood risk management to reduce the impact of floods on communities and infrastructure, given the frequent occurrence of flood disasters in Nigeria.
He highlighted the significant economic losses caused by past floods and underscored the proactive measures being taken, including the establishment of a committee by President Bola Tinubu to address flood mitigation, adaptation, preparedness, and response in the country.
Sokoto awareness campaign
In Sokoto State, Mustapha Abubakar, a senior official of the state Emergency Management Agency, verified that awareness campaigns had been conducted in certain communities to prepare for the upcoming rainy season and potential flooding.
The state government has taken all necessary steps to address any potential incident if it occurs and has consistently made preparations in advance for such forecasts.
The Benue State Government has also initiated measures to prevent possible flooding. The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Odoh Ugwu, mentioned that a committee had been established to minimize flood risks in the state.
The government has started raising awareness about the hazards of flooding and encouraged residents living near riversides to relocate. The state team is assessing structures along riversides and may demolish them as needed.
The Plateau State Government advised residents to be cautious and evacuate flood-prone areas to avoid any disasters caused by imminent floods. The Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, emphasized the importance of residents being aware and proactive for their own safety.
Rivers map higher grounds
The Rivers State Government formed a standing committee to prevent possible flood disasters. Various local governments have identified elevated areas for relocating residents in flood-prone zones and are planning internally displaced persons camps.
Joseph Johnson, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, stated that the ‘Flood and Erosion Control Committee’ includes the Commissioners for Health, Environment, the Chief of Staff, and other officials.
Johnson mentioned that concrete measures have been taken to avoid disasters, including the planning of Internally Displaced Persons camps and identifying elevated areas for refuge.
Efforts to reach the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy were unsuccessful, but the Ministry of Environment spokesperson indicated that Lagos was prepared for potential flooding, with awareness campaigns already underway.
The Edo State Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Kingsley Uwagbale, disclosed plans to review and update last year’s flood management strategy to address any potential flooding incidents this year.
Similarly, the Osun State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Mayowa Adejoorin, highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent flooding by dredging water channels and rivers in various areas prone to flooding.
As a responsible government, they remain committed to ensuring waterways are clear to prevent flooding.