Confronting Flooding in Nigeria: A Call for Sustainable Solutions Amidst Recurrent Crisis

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, has experienced significant flooding in recent times, leading to substantial displacement and damage. Heavy rainfall, often aggravated by climate change and poor drainage systems, has caused rivers to overflow and urban areas to be inundated. The flooding has displaced thousands, destroyed homes, and impacted livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities. Each occurrence always comes with not just displacement, but food insecurity, health risks, shelter needs, psychological trauma, economic impact and the fact that these communities are cut out from basic services. So far, humanitarian organizations have been involved in providing relief efforts, including food, shelter, and medical assistance. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the region, which is already coping with the impacts of conflict and ongoing humanitarian crises. No doubt, efforts from humanitarian organizations are crucial in addressing these issues through emergency response and over the years, Social Action have also lended their voice in solidarity to flood victims while telling their story.

However, flooding has been a recurrent issue in Nigeria, impacting all regions, particularly the North West, and Southern parts of the country. Over the years, significant flood events have caused widespread displacement, destruction, and loss of life. In October 2018, Coastal areas, particularly in the Niger Delta, were severely impacted by flood as a result of heavy rainfall. This led to the displacement of people as communities were submerged leading to food shortages and health crises due to waterborne diseases.

Pathetically in September 2020,  Over 600,000 people were affected, with homes and farmlands submerged in Southern Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and the Middle Belt as a result of the heavy rains that caused the Niger River to overflow. Also, in September 2012, one of the most devastating floods in Nigerian history occurred affecting over 7 million people across 30 states, with the Niger and Benue Rivers overflowing. It was recorded that, especially Kogi, Benue, and Anambra states, experienced severe flooding: Approximately 363 people died, thousands were displaced, and infrastructure, including roads and bridges, was significantly damaged. The floods caused agricultural losses estimated at over $16 billion. Subsequent years after these events, Nigeria has experienced flooding issues that has left people displaced and finding themselves in Internally Displaced People Camps. The flood in Maiduguri is not alien. In September 2022 many towns and communities, especially along the Rivers Niger and Benue banks and tributaries, including Maiduguri were impacted by flood leading to several losses to lives and properties.  The question then is why does the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon cause this effect and how can it be tackled.

THE LAGDO DAM AND THE MAIDUGURI FLOOD

The Lagdo Dam constructed in the 1980s on the Benue River was intended for irrigation and hydroelectric power. However, its operation has significant downstream implications for Nigeria, especially during the rainy season when the dam is often filled to capacity leading to flooding: Flooding from the dam has been a recurring issue, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. When the dam is opened to manage excess water, it can lead to rapid increases in river levels in Nigeria, causing widespread flooding in lower-lying areas. Major flood events linked to the dam’s operation occurred in 2012, 2018, and 2020, 2023, leading to the displacement of thousands, destruction of homes, and loss of crops and livelihoods. However, with the dam’s recent opening this year, and predictions of heavy rainfall, there are concerns about imminent flooding in Nigeria. The Director-General of the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), Umar Mohammed in a recent statement issued warnings to communities downstream to prepare for potential inundation. These warnings encourage people to move to higher ground and take precautions to safeguard their lives and property.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The federal government has promised to mobilize resources for emergency relief, including food, shelter, and medical supplies, especially through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). However, making this provision without addressing the issue of the flood is worrisome. While we understand the fact that there are natural disasters, there are preventable disasters which can lessen the devastating effect of the occurring flood if we know it cannot be obliterated. Despite efforts to improve drainage systems and infrastructure to mitigate future flooding, though implementation can be slow, there are also issues of compromise sometimes on the path of those overseeing the constructions.  

POSSIBLE SUGGESTIONS

Flooding in Nigeria remains a pressing humanitarian issue, with historical events illustrating its devastating impacts across various regions. While the Southern states have faced catastrophic floods leading to significant displacement and economic loss, recent flooding in Maiduguri underscores the multifaceted challenges that arise from climate change, poor infrastructure, and ongoing conflicts. Addressing the flood issues, particularly in regions affected by the Lagdo Dam and similar circumstances, requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some possible solutions and suggestions:

Coordinated Dam Operations: Establish communication and agreements between Nigerian and Cameroonian authorities regarding the management of the Lagdo Dam. This includes timely notifications about water releases and coordinated flood management strategies.

Real-time Monitoring Systems Implement advanced monitoring systems to track rainfall, river levels, and dam operations. Early warning systems can help communities prepare in advance.

Enhanced Drainage Systems: Invest in improved drainage and stormwater management systems in urban areas to facilitate better water flow and reduce flooding risks.

Flood Barriers and Levees:  Construct levees, floodwalls, and other barriers along vulnerable riverbanks to protect communities from rising water levels.

Zoning Regulations: Implement zoning laws that prevent construction in high-risk flood zones and promote the development of green spaces that can absorb excess water.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Encourage agricultural practices that enhance soil absorption and reduce runoff, such as agroforestry and contour farming.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns to educate communities about flood risks, the importance of early evacuation, and personal preparedness measures.

Climate Resilience Initiatives: Promote projects that enhance the resilience of communities to climate change, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management.

Collaboration with NGOs and International Organizations: Collaborate with humanitarian organizations and international bodies for funding, technical assistance, and best practices in flood management and disaster preparedness.

Recent Initiatives

In recent years, Social Action has intensified its focus on comprehensive flood management strategies, advocating for better infrastructure, improved early warning systems, and community-based disaster risk management approaches. We have also emphasized the importance of integrating local knowledge into planning and response efforts. We have strongly advocated for a long-term solution which means that the Niger and Benue Rivers should be dredged to enhance their capacity, allowing them to better accommodate increased water levels and prevent overflow. Although the federal government has repeatedly promised and even announced contracts for this dredging, no progress has been made, leaving only headlines in newspapers without tangible results