BY RITA OYIBOKA/AMAYINDI YAKUBU
Famous Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti is renowned for many songs, with “Water No Get Enemy,” performed with the band Africa 70 being a fan favourite.
However, as Nigeria faces relentless flooding, that tune takes on a grim irony. Instead of being a mere metaphor, water has become an adversary, submerging homes, destroying livelihoods, and leaving countless Nigerians fighting for survival.
With recent floods turning many areas into watery graves, the question arises: how did we let ourselves get into this fight unprepared?
Showers But Not Of Blessings
In West Africa, the shadow of floods grows longer every year. According to the United Nations World Food Programme, more than four million people across 14 nations have been affected by devastating floods, with nearly 10,000 lives lost and vast farmlands swallowed by rising waters.
As Nigeria braces for yet another flood season, the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has stirred fresh tears and fears.
In a recent statement, the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) issued a new flood alert, warning of the potential impact as Cameroon begins releasing water from the Lagdo Reservoir.
This comes on the heels of Maiduguri’s disastrous flooding, which left half the city submerged and claimed 37 lives.
The Scope of the Catastrophe
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s flood crisis, declaring it a major humanitarian emergency.
The figures are staggering, 31 states and 180 local government areas (LGAs) are affected, with over 1.08 million people impacted by the relentless rains. Over 640,000 individuals have been displaced, 285 lives have been lost, and 2,504 have been injured. In total, more than 98,000 homes and vast swathes of farmland have been decimated.
States like Bauchi, Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa are among the hardest hit. Borno alone has over 414,000 people affected, and Bauchi’s 50,000 hectares of submerged farmland threatens the food security of millions.
The flood’s destruction isn’t just on properties, it’s a health risk. In Yobe State, where over 5,800 mud shelters have been destroyed, the displaced populations now face not only homelessness but also the lurking threat of waterborne diseases. Without access to clean water, sanitation, or healthcare, the risk of cholera and other communicable diseases is growing by the day.
A Disaster Waiting to Happen?
The release of water from the Lagdo Dam has been described as “controlled” by the authorities in Cameroon, who have promised a gradual discharge to avoid overwhelming the River Benue. But even with these reassurances, the fear of catastrophe looms large.
A section of the press release ominously warned that “the overflow from the Lagdo Dam is projected to cease once there is a noticeable reduction in the flow into the reservoir.” This leaves Nigerians on edge, waiting for the waters to recede.
How can a country so frequently hit by floods remain unprepared year after year? Why has the proposed construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam, meant to mitigate the Lagdo Dam’s overflow, remained unfinished since it was first discussed over a decade ago? Critics argue that poor planning and lack of foresight continue to exacerbate the disaster.
Flooding: A Recurring Nightmare in Nigeria
The echoes of the catastrophic 2012 floods in Adamawa State still haunt us. Over 10,000 homes were swallowed by rising waters, streets in Makurdi transformed into waterways, and, disturbingly, crocodiles were seen cruising through urban neighborhoods.
Fast forward to 2022, and Nigeria faced its worst flooding in a decade: 603 lives lost, 1.4 million displaced, and over 82,000 homes reduced to rubble. As if that wasn’t enough, cholera outbreaks added to the misery, claiming 319 more lives. How long can this cycle of devastation continue?
The Dam That Didn’t Hold
At the heart of this watery chaos lies not just the Lagdo Dam’s overflowing waters, but Nigeria’s chronic failure to build and maintain infrastructure capable of withstanding such disasters.
Despite years of promises, essential dams and flood control systems remain mere blueprints. Take the Alau Dam, for instance. It collapsed recently, inundating Borno State, despite receiving a staggering N762 million in budget allocations over the past 12 years. Where did all that money go? This raises critical questions about fiscal responsibility and oversight.
Every administration, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and now Bola Tinubu, has funneled fresh funds into the dam’s rehabilitation. Buhari’s government, for example, allocated N285 million in 2020 and N200 million in 2023. But the question looms large: How much of that money was actually spent on real repairs?
A Budgetary Black Hole
From 2012 to 2016, budgets promised desilting and surveys: N11 million for a hydrographical survey in 2012, N12 million for reservoir desilting in 2013, and another N10 million for dyke rehabilitation in 2016.
Yet, after years of oversight by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Chad Basin River Development Authority, clarity remains elusive. Did any of these funds actually reach the dam?
Take the 2012 budget implementation report, which boasted a 70.59% performance rate but didn’t clarify if funds were directed to the dam’s critical needs. The 2013 report fared no better, revealing that the ministry only executed 37.38% of its budget. Was the N12 million meant for reservoir desilting even spent?
The absence of transparency has been glaring. Missing reports from 2014 left us in the dark about whether funds were disbursed, and by 2015, the ministry only managed to execute 48% of its budget, without any mention of the dam. So, what happened to the N10 million for repairs in 2016?
A Pattern of Neglect
The Alau Dam isn’t a new disaster. Its failure in 1994 displaced 400,000 people and affected several states. Built in 1986 for irrigation and domestic needs in Maiduguri, it has repeatedly shown itself to be a ticking time bomb, impacting regions as far away as Kebbi and parts of Cameroon.
The United Nations has even declared the recent flooding worse than the devastation of 1994. How can a country with such potential allow this to continue?
The Government’s Reaction: More Palliative Band-Aids
What’s the government’s response to these disasters? Reactive, at best. Palliative packages and makeshift shelters are rolled out after the floodwaters recede, only to have families return to their ruined homes, waiting for the next deluge. Between June and August alone, floods claimed 37 lives, destroyed 20 houses, and grounded transportation for three days, affecting nearly 10,000 households and 11,500 farmlands. What’s next, Nigeria?
The government’s approach to flooding consists of two predictable moves: issuing warnings about flood-prone areas and distributing relief materials. Yet, the infrastructure to address the root causes of flooding is nearly non-existent. NEMA’s recent relief efforts in 2024 to Rivers State flood victims from 2023 underscore this reactive approach. Was anyone actually surprised?
The Okigbo Commission envisioned ecological funds to address such crises way back in 1981. But now, funds disbursed to state accounts have been misappropriated, with little federal oversight. President Tinubu’s condolences for victims in Jigawa come off as hollow when the same state has millions in unaccounted ecological funds.
The flood warnings for 2024 are now in full swing, and some states are scrambling to prepare. Bayelsa State has directed its flood and erosion control directorate to identify higher grounds for internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, while the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to construct six multi-purpose emergency shelters across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states. Each shelter will include schools, hospitals, and recreational centers, a far cry from the overcrowded tents many displaced persons are currently crammed into.
But what of the future? Can these measures stem the tide, or are they just temporary fixes for a recurring nightmare?
Corruption, Poor Governance Hindering Effective Flood Management – Refo
In an exclusive conversation with The Pointer, Town Planner and Principal Governor of the Citadel of Regional Development Planning and Humanitarian Management, Amb. Richard Refo shed light on Nigeria’s ongoing battle with recurrent flooding.
Despite having budgetary allocations, ecological funds, and master plans designed to mitigate such disasters, he argued that corruption and the reluctance of political elites to engage the expertise of town planners have worsened the situation.
“There is a National Policy on Urban Development that should serve as a guideline for sustainable urban management. This policy is also mirrored in Delta State. However, the question remains, why does Nigeria, with all these frameworks, still face unsustainable, reactive flood management?”
His answer was stark: “Corruption, from the grassroots to the federal government, is deeply entrenched in both the public and private sectors. Although the Nigerian Constitution encourages Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), only about 2% of subnational governments and corporations meet the minimum requirement of contributing 4% of their profits to community development. If public and private sectors collaborated more closely to fund urban governance, issues like flooding could be tackled head-on.”
Amb. Refo highlighted the reactive nature of Nigeria’s flood management system, especially in flood-prone regions like Delta State. “Flood management agencies spring into action after disasters occur rather than putting preventive measures in place. A proactive approach demands a solid implementation framework rooted in legal principles. However, poor governance at both state and local levels stifles this,” he said.
He criticizes the lack of implementation even when ecological funds reach the states, citing it as a failure of Nigeria’s democratic system. Another key issue, according to Refo, is that most architectural designs in Nigeria lack proper drainage plans, despite the evident need for them. This oversight, he stressed, further contributes to the unsustainable state of urban environments.
Turning to global best practices, Refo pointed to Barcelona, where urban shelter blocks are designed to house displaced people. “If Nigeria adopted similar measures, particularly for communities prone to flooding, we could significantly reduce internal displacement. It’s time to stop reacting to floods and start planning for them.”
Refo suggested an innovative approach to floodwater management. He proposes: “Imagine if we could divert floodwaters to agricultural fields for irrigation and other productive uses. By doing so, we would not only mitigate the destructive impact of floods but also enhance agricultural productivity in flood-prone regions. This would turn a natural disadvantage into a powerful advantage. Unfortunately, we’ve been unable to harness these natural resources effectively due to a lack of foresight and political will.”
He lamented the poor planning along flood-prone areas like the banks of the Niger River. “Nearly every year, between November and December, we know the Niger will flood. Yet, developments continue to be approved in areas destined to be submerged. It’s a blatant failure of urban planning at its most basic level. What we’re seeing is corruption and negligence at work, with disastrous consequences for communities living in these areas.”
He concluded with a strong call to action: “For Nigeria to effectively tackle flooding, we need a holistic, corruption-free approach. Urban planners, engineers, economists, and government officials must work together to implement comprehensive drainage master plans, enforce urban development policies, and prioritize sustainable solutions for flood-prone areas. Until we confront the underlying issues of corruption, poor governance, and lack of political will, we will continue to see these recurring disasters.”
Flood: Nigeria’s Reactiveness Costs $1.5 Billion Annually – Nzeakor
In light of recent flood alerts across Nigeria, attention has once again turned to the escalating impact of climate change on the environment and vulnerable communities.
To gain insight into this pressing issue, The Pointer spoke with Chizoba Nzeakor, an award-winning climate change advocate and Master’s student in Sustainable Urban Development, who shared her expertise on the increasing threat of flooding and Nigeria’s preparedness to handle it.
Nzeakor emphasized the far-reaching environmental impact of floods, particularly in coastal areas where improper urban planning and inadequate drainage systems compound the issue.
“With rising sea levels and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, the environmental cost of flood damage is poised to grow, impacting not only ecosystems but also human health and vital infrastructure,” she said.
Using Lagos as an example, she explained how the city’s low-lying coastal geography, combined with rapid urbanization and poor drainage systems, makes it particularly vulnerable to flood damage. “The environmental and social toll of these floods will only worsen as sea levels rise and rainfall becomes less predictable.”
When asked about Nigeria’s preparedness for floods, Nzeakor highlighted several shortcomings. “Nigeria’s flood preparedness has historically been hampered by inadequate infrastructure, a lack of coordination among agencies, and insufficient funding. Environmental protection and disaster management often take a back seat due to economic priorities,” she explained.
She also pointed to inconsistencies in policy enforcement, particularly regarding flood mitigation strategies under the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). “In 2022, delays in releasing funds led to setbacks in critical flood control projects. Unregulated construction in flood-prone areas and the encroachment on wetlands have only increased flood risks,” she noted, adding that political and economic pressures often undermine zoning regulations, as seen in Lagos where real estate development continues in vulnerable areas.
When asked for potential solutions, Nzeakor was clear: Nigeria needs a multi-faceted approach to tackle both the immediate causes of flooding and the longer-term risks. “First and foremost, the government must integrate climate change projections and risk assessments into urban planning to help cities better manage excess rainwater,” she advised.
She also emphasized the need for increased investment in flood defenses, embankments, and drainage systems. “Nigeria loses approximately $1.5 billion annually due to floods, making the cost of inaction higher than the investment required,” she argued. Nzeakor further recommended stronger land-use planning and strict enforcement of zoning laws. “Protecting wetlands and restricting development in flood-prone areas, particularly along major river basins like the Niger and Benue Rivers, is essential,” she said.
Finally, she called for advancements in early warning systems, leveraging technology to monitor real-time data and provide timely alerts to communities at risk. “Strengthening early warning systems will give people the information they need to prepare for and respond to floods more effectively,” she added.
Flood Impacts Go Beyond Property: Psychological, Health Effects – Yakubu
Ruth Yakubu, a public health practitioner, spoke extensively with The Pointer newspaper about the severe health implications that flooding can have on affected populations.
According to her, “Floods do more than just displace people and destroy property; they have profound effects on mental health. Victims often suffer from psychological stress, anxiety, and trauma, especially those who lose loved ones or their homes.”
Yakubu further explained that these emotional and mental health challenges are often overlooked in flood response efforts, but they can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities.
Beyond the psychological toll, Yakubu highlighted the increased risk of disease transmission in areas impacted by flooding, particularly in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. “In these camps, where populations are crowded and sanitary conditions are poor, we often see outbreaks of waterborne diseases,” she explained. “Cholera, typhoid, malaria, and acute watery diarrhea are common, especially when access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities is limited.”
Yakubu also raised concerns about the vulnerability of children and the elderly in such conditions. “These are the most susceptible groups,” she noted. “The cramped, unsanitary living conditions in IDP camps make it incredibly difficult to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and children and the elderly are often the first to be affected.”
She stressed the need to prioritise health interventions in flood-prone areas. “This includes mental health services, disease prevention strategies, and ensuring that IDP camps have adequate sanitation and healthcare facilities.”
What Lies Ahead?
As climate change continues to wreak havoc across Africa, the frequency and severity of floods are only expected to increase. And yet, Nigeria seems trapped in a cycle of unpreparedness.
Beyond the immediate destruction, the floods threaten Nigeria’s food security. Already, mass farmlands have been submerged, and the cost of food commodities is skyrocketing. With hunger levels rising and inflation pushing prices higher, many Nigerians find themselves on the brink of despair.
Statistics may show that 11,500 farmlands were hit this year, but the implications stretch far beyond mere numbers. Flooding threatens food security in Nigeria, exacerbated by rising inflation and President Tinubu’s fuel subsidy cuts. How will this country face potential starvation and malnourishment?
As Nigeria continues to grapple with flooding and its aftermath, one question looms: When will the government stop treating the symptoms and start addressing the disease?
Until then, the cycle of disaster, displacement, and despair will repeat, an unsettling reminder that without serious investment and accountability, the country is perpetually one rainy season and dam release away from catastrophe.
