City by city, Nigeria is in serious danger from the impacts of climate change, and government must act quickly to build resilience and protect our communities.
In the northern part of Nigeria, the combination of wind erosion, deforestation, drought, overgrazing, and desertification has become a devastating reality. Many towns in the Sahelian zones are experiencing worsening desertification, causing significant challenges for the local communities. Along the coastal regions, the situation is equally dire. Consistent waves, flooding, and rising sea levels due to climate change have forced millions of people to suffer immeasurable losses. Families have lost their homes and livelihoods. In the middle belt region, gully erosion and flooding are displacing people from their ancestral lands, forcing them to seek shelter in crowded camps across the region.
The southern region of the country is equally grappling with the destructive effects of climate change-induced floods. Ibadan, a bustling city in Nigeria, endured a historic flooding event in August 2011. The city experienced record-breaking rainfall and improper disposal of waste in water channels, resulting in the loss of over a thousand lives and millions of naira worth of property damage. Even before this catastrophic event, Ibadan had faced recurrent flooding along the Ogunpa and Kudeti streams since 1955. The trend continues as heavy rains and environmental degradation contribute to frequent flash floods.
Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant commercial capital, faces an annual struggle with rising sea levels that cause seasonal flooding. Areas such as Lekki, Ikoyi, Epe, and parts of the Mainland are particularly vulnerable. The impact on the city is extensive, with businesses and residents suffering significant losses. The flooding damages major roads, leaving potholes and poorly-constructed asphalt exposed, forcing people to seek refuge in designated camps.
In 2021 alone, more than half a million Nigerians were displaced due to flooding, according to the National Emergency Agency (NEMA). In August of 2022, several states experienced rainfall exceeding 300mm, accounting for over 25% of the long-term average for those regions. This puts them at great risk according to environmentalists, signaling a potential disaster. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has repeatedly warned that areas along the course of the River Niger and Benue are at higher risk of flooding due to their current conditions.
More flooding, less attention
In the fourth week of October 2022, extensive flooding continued to affect Northern and certain South Eastern regions of Nigeria. According to reports from NEMA officials, more than 500 lives were lost to the floods. But unconfirmed reports said the number could be much higher. Also, about 900 000 homes were said to have been either partially or completely destroyed in the flood. Some of the states were the deaths and destruction were reported to have occurred included Kogi, Jigawa, Kebbi and Bayelsa with about 31 states said to have experienced flooding in 2022.
This flooding poses a more significant threat to states located along the River Niger and Benue, as it was primarily triggered by the release of excess water from the Lagdo dam reservoir in the Republic of Cameroon in September. Additionally, torrential rain in the North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South-East exacerbated the situation. The surge of displaced individuals and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria have further aggravated the circumstances. The massive scale of destruction compelled the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to declare an urgent requirement for humanitarian assistance, explaining that more than 15,000 individuals are affected.
Due to the detrimental effects of the flooding, analysts and social critics are predicting a severe food scarcity. Olam Farm, a $140 million investment and the largest farmland in Nigeria with an area of about 10,000 hectares in Nasarawa, one of the inundated states, has been confirmed by several reports to have been destroyed by the 2022 flood. Despite the Olam field’s best efforts to stop the flooding, the 57 km dykes that were supposed to shield the field from flooding were breached, allowing the river to bury the 4,400 km hectares of rice that were already on the farm.
These series of devastating floods have brought about significant consequences, including a potential increase in the cost of rice, a widely consumed staple in the country. Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, for several months grappled with waterlogged major routes, leading to hindrances in the transportation of goods and valuable items. Consequently, drivers and travelers face tremendous difficulties traveling between the north-central and southern regions of the country.
However, perhaps the most alarming impact of the flooding is the plight of small- and medium-scale farmers in the affected areas. Benue, renowned as the nation’s food basket, is witnessed farmers expressing their distress over the loss of their harvest and seeking government aid. In yet another state along the course of the River Benue; Adamawa, the flood wreaked havoc on 27,800 families and 89,342 hectares of farmland, intensifying the scale of devastation.
In the South East, several communities in Anambra State were also affected by flood, amplifying concerns across the region. What started as localized flooding has progressively expanded, engulfing additional areas and communities in its path.
The aftermath of these floods has painted a grim picture, affecting not only the livelihoods of farmers but also the overall availability and affordability of essential commodities like rice. Additionally, the transportation sector has faced substantial disruptions, impeding the movement of goods and people. Immediate assistance from the government is crucial to support affected farmers and mitigate the impact of the floods on the nation’s food security and economy.
Moving Forward
As people increasingly migrate to cities in search of better opportunities, they often settle in flood-prone areas and vulnerable coastal regions, putting communities at risk of flooding. This pressing issue demands government’s immediate attention. It is crucial to prioritize the development of well-planned urban infrastructure and human settlements, providing citizens with a chance for a safer and more secure life.
Several states in Nigeria, including Delta, Bayelsa, Anambra, Lagos, and Kogi, must play a pivotal role in a comprehensive national plan to adapt to the changing climate. Scaling up initiatives like the Great Green Wall and the Climate Change Act is imperative. These efforts combat desertification, address food scarcity, and tackle the diverse challenges posed by climate change. Regrettably, the Nigeria Climate Change Commission has encountered obstacles such as delayed implementation and insufficient funding, leaving weaker states without necessary support to combat environmental threats. It is the responsibility of both governmental and non-governmental entities to unite and secure adequate funding for this commission.
To achieve genuine environmental sustainability, planning and implementing efficient green infrastructure is of utmost importance. This responsibility falls not only on the national government but also on subnational stakeholders. Investing in urban drainage systems and green infrastructure significantly reduces the risks and uncertainties associated with climate-related disasters. Nigeria is at a critical juncture, necessitating decisive steps towards a safer future.
It is disheartening to acknowledge that mismanagement of external funding in some instances has left communities vulnerable to annual flooding threats. Stakeholders must engage in open, honest discussions about the government’s response to these climate-related calamities. Policymakers, climate activists, and urban planners must grasp the gravity of the situation and take appropriate action on reconstruction or renewal of infrastructure. They must advocate for increased funding for urban infrastructure projects aimed at protecting lives during floods.
Final Thoughts
The alarming situation demands immediate action to protect our cities and communities. Government must implement comprehensive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, safeguard vulnerable populations, and ensure sustainable development for the nation’s future.