The recurring flood disasters in Nigeria have left many wondering who is responsible for this ongoing crisis. Year in and year out, Nigerians in flood-prone areas lose property and livelihoods to these disasters.
While it is tempting to assign blame to a single entity, the reality is that the problem is multifaceted and requires a shared responsibility. On the one hand, there is the government’s role; on the other hand, citizens themselves are not without fault in this matter.
Flooding in Nigeria has become an increasingly devastating issue, causing significant damage to the country’s infrastructure, economy, and communities.
2022 Report on Flooding
According to a report on the 2022 flood by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nigeria lost a whopping N9trn ($9.12bn), and over 4 million people were affected. The money lost due to the flood could have been used to establish healthcare and better infrastructure for the country.
The Benue River Basin, for instance, is highly susceptible to seasonal flooding, impacting the livelihoods of millions who depend on the river for farming and transportation. The following are some of the significant causes of floods in Nigeria:
Firstly, the country’s geographical location plays a significant role. Nigeria is in the West African subregion, making it susceptible to coastal and inland flooding. Rainfall, often intensified by climate change, contributes significantly to flooding. For example, the recent flood disaster experienced by Nigeria in 2022 was caused by heavy rain, climate change and the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in neighbouring Cameroon.
Secondly, urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the problem. Population growth has led to the expansion of cities and towns, usually with poor urban planning and insufficient drainage systems. As a result, rainwater has limited pathways to flow, causing it to accumulate in low-lying areas.
Additionally, deforestation disrupts natural water retention and absorption capacity, increasing the risk of flooding.
Therefore, the government and citizens must play significant roles to mitigate this crisis effectively. The government is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive flood management strategies. It includes investing in modern infrastructure, such as well-designed drainage systems, dams, and flood barriers, to divert excess water away from vulnerable areas.
The Lagdo Dam
When the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon was constructed in 1982, there was an agreement by the Nigerian government to build a twin dam in Fufore local government area of Adamawa State to contain the overflows from the Lagdo Dam.
Unfortunately, the agreement was never honored by the Nigerian government. This has left communities along the Benue River and its tributaries prone to flood whenever there’s a release from the Lagdo dam.
Also, government agencies should actively monitor weather patterns and water levels to provide timely warnings and evacuation plans to at-risk communities.
On the other hand, citizens also have a role to play in flood prevention. Individuals and communities need to raise awareness about the importance of responsible waste disposal and avoiding construction in flood-prone areas.
Properly disposing of trash and avoiding the blockage of drains and waterways helps ensure that water can flow freely during heavy rainfall.
Additionally, citizens should heed government warnings and follow evacuation orders when necessary to protect themselves and their families.