Following warnings by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that flood will ravage many states of the federation in 2025, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called on the Abia State Government to implement early mitigation and adaptation strategies in response to the Federal Government’s alert that 31 states, including Abia, are at high risk of flooding in 2025.
FENRAD emphasises the need for a comprehensive baseline study of vulnerable communities to inform targeted interventions and enhance resilience against climate-induced disasters.
In alignment with these concerns, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated sensitisation programmes across all 17 local government areas of Abia State. These programmes aim to downscale flood early warning strategies to the grassroots level, ensuring that communities are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to respond effectively to potential flooding events.
The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook predicts high flood risks for 31 states and moderate risks for 35 states, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures.
Governor Alex Otti has acknowledged the flood risks facing 11 out of Abia’s 17 LGAs and has pledged to address the issue through infrastructural development and community engagement. His administration aims to eliminate flooding in Aba within 18 months, focusing on constructing durable access roads and implementing a zero-pothole policy to improve drainage and reduce flood risks.
FENRAD’s call to action, according to its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities. By conducting baseline studies and implementing early mitigation strategies, Abia State can enhance its preparedness and resilience against the impending flood crisis, he added.
FENRAD emphasises the necessity for both federal and state governments to implement early mitigation and adaptation strategies.
“These strategies should include the establishment of community-based early warning systems, enhancement of public awareness campaigns, and the development of flood-resilient infrastructure. The organisation advocates for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and the protection of human rights,” submitted Nwafor.
He pointed out that, in alignment with FENRAD’s recommendations, the Federal Government has activated several flood control measures. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed experts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to disseminate early warning messages across all states, Nwafor noted.
“Additionally, the government has inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC) to coordinate disaster management strategies and enhance public awareness of climate resilience practices,” he stated, adding that FENRAD is committed to promoting environmental justice, sustainable development, and the protection of human and environmental rights in Nigeria.