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Devastating Impact of Climate Change: Flooding in Southern Nigeria

Author: Razzak Osemobor

Date: April 2, 2025

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During heavy rainfalls, rivers and other water bodies overflow their banks, resulting in serious flooding in places like Benue, Bayelsa, Rivers, and some parts of Lagos. As severe as this can be, floodwater overflows into people's houses, destroying property. Of course, you do know things float on water. In this case, lightweight materials like food containers, plastic bags, slippers, pillows, metal waste are seen floating on the water's surface, sometimes rising as high as two to three block layers from the foundation. Electronics, furniture, and other personal belongings are destroyed by this catastrophic event. This situation can be devastating because it can come at unexpected times, such as when people are fast asleep, students return from school and workers from work to meet this condition. In this unfavorable situation, they are left with no option but to relocate or find temporary shelter with family or friends.

Response to Climate Change: Flooding in Nigeria

Individually, people bail out water if situations are mild but seldom require suction pumps to evacuate water. That aside, grievances and neglect are expressed through media channels and to journalists covering these events, outpouring their frustrations to the government to come to their aid.

Government Initiatives to Control and Prevent Flooding in Nigeria

The Nigerian government has implemented several initiatives to control flooding in the southern region of the country, where heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems contribute to recurrent flooding. Some key measures include:

1. Construction of Drainage Systems –

   The government has been constructing and expanding drainage channels in flood-prone cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Benin City to improve water flow and reduce flooding.

2. Dredging of Rivers and Waterways–

   Regular dredging of major rivers such as the Niger and Benue, as well as smaller tributaries, helps to prevent overflow and improve water management.

3. Early Warning Systems–

   The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) provide seasonal rainfall and flood forecasts to warn residents of impending floods.

4. Establishment of Flood Control Agencies –

   The Ecological Fund Office and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are responsible for addressing ecological challenges and responding to flood disasters. Examples of recent completed projects are: Flood control at Afo river Ikirun, Osun State, Amper flood hazard and erosion tarka, Benue state, Amachara flood and erosion control at Umuahia, Magama LGA erosion and flood control, Niger State.

5. Urban Planning and Resettlement Programs –

   State governments are enforcing stricter urban planning regulations to prevent building on flood-prone areas. Some states have also initiated resettlement programs for communities affected by severe flooding.

6. Afforestation and Environmental Protection Programs–

   Tree planting initiatives and environmental policies aim to prevent soil erosion, which can worsen flooding in coastal and riverine areas.

7. Construction of Dams and Embankments:

   New dams and embankments are being built to regulate water flow and control flooding, especially in states like Bayelsa and Rivers.

8. Public Planting:

   Farmers in northern Nigeria—especially in states like Sokoto, Yobe, Katsina, and Borno—have adopted agroforestry, integrating trees with crops to combat soil erosion and restore degraded land. Many individuals plant trees around their homes and farms to serve as windbreaks and retain soil moisture.

9. Use of Indigenous Knowledge:

   Communities rely on traditional land management practices such as crop rotation, fallowing, and controlled grazing to prevent land exhaustion and encourage natural regeneration of vegetation.

10. Water Conservation Methods:

    In arid zones, individuals construct small earth dams and water catchments to collect and store rainwater for use during dry periods.

11. Awareness and Advocacy:

    Civil society groups and local NGOs raise awareness about the impact of desertification. Community radio programs and town hall meetings are used to educate rural populations on sustainable land use.

Government Response

1. The Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI):

   Nigeria is actively participating in the African Union’s GGWI, aiming to restore over 1,500 kilometers of degraded land across 11 northern states by planting trees, improving agricultural practices, and empowering communities economically.

2. National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW):

   Established to implement GGWI in Nigeria, the agency collaborates with international partners to provide funding, technical support, and community engagement to restore degraded areas.

3. Policy and Legislative Frameworks:

   The Nigerian government has formulated policies on land use, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation, such as the National Environmental Policy and the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification.

4. Afforestation and Reforestation Projects:

   State governments and the Federal Ministry of Environment run afforestation campaigns to replant trees in desert-prone areas and encourage youth and local participation through employment and education programs.

5. International Collaboration and Funding:

   Nigeria partners with international organizations like the UNCCD, World Bank, and FAO to access funding and expertise for combating desertification.

Share Your Experience

What are your experiences with climate change?

• Have you or your community been affected by floods, droughts, or other extreme weather?
• How have you responded or adapted?
• What changes have you noticed in your environment over time?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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