Nigeria has faced devastating floods year after year, leaving communities homeless, destroying farmland, and claiming lives. In 2022, floods affected over 2 million people across the country, with states like Kogi, Bayelsa, and Jigawa bearing the brunt of the destruction. These floods are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, which causes heavier rainfall and rising sea levels.
Communities living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas suffer the most. For instance, Lokoja, where the Rivers Niger and Benue meet, experiences annual flooding, cutting off roads and making life unbearable for residents. Many lose their homes and farms, leaving them without a source of livelihood. For people who depend on subsistence farming, this is catastrophic.
The Nigerian government has launched efforts like the National Action Plan on Flood Prevention and Mitigation, but these policies are often poorly implemented. Flood-prone communities still lack early warning systems, evacuation centers, and flood defenses. Even when people are warned to leave, many refuse because they have nowhere to go.
To tackle this crisis, Nigeria needs to take proactive steps. Building better drainage systems in cities, enforcing zoning laws to prevent construction in flood-prone areas, and investing in flood-resistant infrastructure are critical. Communities also need access to microloans and insurance to rebuild after floods. The government must work with local leaders to create awareness about flood risks and preparedness.
Climate change isn’t going away. If Nigeria doesn’t act fast, the annual floods will only worsen, leaving millions more vulnerable to their devastating effects.