The Executive Secretary, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Mr. Suleiman Arigbabu, has warned of rising national risks due to the recent flood alert by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Arigbabu gave the warning in an interview on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Lagos.
NIHSA recently released its 2026 Annual Flood outlook, predicting flooding across many parts of the country at different periods.
Arigbabu said the forecast reflects historical trends, noting the agency’s predictions have recorded over 80 percent accuracy in recent years.
He attributed flooding to climate change and human activities, warning that the crisis will persist without urgent intervention.
Arigbabu said increased rainfall intensity and frequency are causing rivers to overflow, leading to flash floods and widespread inundation.
He identified poor drainage systems and weak flood management as major contributors to urban flooding.
He added that indiscriminate waste disposal continues to block drainage channels in cities such as Lagos and Port Harcourt.
Arigbabu decried the destruction of wetlands, noting their critical role in absorbing excess water and reducing flood impact.
He also highlighted deforestation as a factor, reducing the land’s natural ability to manage water flow.
According to him, failure to desilt dams and drainage systems has reduced their capacity, making even moderate rainfall cause flooding.
He noted that recurring floods over decades reflect neglect and inadequate investment in preventive infrastructure.
Arigbabu warned that flooding has the capacity to affect communities, businesses, and government projects across the country.
He said capital projects under the 2026 budget may face delays or damage due to heavy rains.
He added that flooding could displace residents, disrupt livelihoods, and increase the spread of diseases.
Arigbabu warned of rising food insecurity, limited healthcare access, and greater vulnerability among women and children.
The expert called for improved infrastructure, better environmental management, and responsible waste disposal.
He urged government and citizens to change attitudes to reduce flooding and its impacts.
In a related development, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria), an environmental justice campaign group, has expressed concern over the recent flood alert issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria, projecting widespread flooding across several states, including Abia State, during the 2026 rainy season.
In light of this development, FENRAD is calling for immediate preparedness, proactive mitigation, and intensified community engagement, particularly in Aba and other flood-prone communities across Abia State.
Over the years, Aba, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre in the South-East, has experienced recurrent flooding due to poor drainage systems, unregulated urban expansion, and indiscriminate waste disposal. With forecasts indicating heavy rainfall between April and November, and peak flooding between July and September, urgent action is required to avert loss of lives, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods.
High-Risk Areas in Aba and Environs
FENRAD identifies the following communities and locations in Aba as particularly vulnerable to flooding:
Aba South LGA: Ariaria, Cemetery Road, Ngwa Road axis, Eziukwu, Waterside (Ogbor Hill), and Asa/Ndiegoro areas
Aba North LGA: Ogbor Hill, Osusu, Uratta, World Bank Housing Estate, and Umuola axis
Other Flood and Erosion-Prone Areas in Abia State
Beyond Aba, several communities across Abia State remain highly vulnerable due to active erosion sites and poor drainage infrastructure. They include:
Umuahia: Amuzukwu, Isi Gate axis, and surrounding communities
Isuikwuato LGA: Uturu and adjoining communities facing severe gully erosion
Ugwunagbo & Ukwa West LGAs: Riverine communities prone to seasonal flooding
Obingwa LGA: Mgboko, Owoahiafo, Ntigha, and adjoining settlements
These areas have recorded repeated ecological challenges, worsened by climate change impacts and weak enforcement of environmental regulations
FENRAD’s Call to Action
FENRAD calls on:
1. Abia State Government and Local Authorities: To urgently desilt and clear drainage systems, enforce environmental sanitation laws, strengthen urban planning compliance, and invest in resilient infrastructure.
2. Community Leaders, Youth Groups, and Residents: To intensify grassroots sensitization, promote proper waste disposal practices, identify safe evacuation routes, and actively participate in community-based flood preparedness initiatives.
3. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA): To scale up early warning dissemination, deploy emergency response teams, and pre-position relief materials in vulnerable communities.
4. Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners: To support public awareness campaigns, climate adaptation strategies, and humanitarian interventions, particularly for at-risk populations.
5. Media Organisations: To sustain public enlightenment efforts and ensure timely dissemination of verified information on flood risks and safety measures.
Conclusion
As an environmental justice campaigner and advocate for sustainable development, FENRAD emphasises that flood disasters can be significantly mitigated through proactive planning, responsible environmental practices, and strong community engagement.
The organisation reiterates that environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable urban management are critical to safeguarding lives and livelihoods in Abia State and beyond.
FENRAD says it remains committed to collaborating with government institutions, communities, and stakeholders to promote accountability, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction.
“The time to act is now. Preparedness today will save lives tomorrow.”