The Federal Government has called on Nigerians living in flood-prone areas to begin immediate preparations for possible flooding as the rainy season intensifies, warning that climate change has increased the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall across the country.
The appeal was made on Thursday by the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Kelani, who said recent flooding incidents in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria highlight the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Kelani described climate change as an immediate national challenge rather than a future environmental concern, stressing that coordinated action by governments, communities and citizens is essential to reduce its impact.
He explained that changing weather patterns have led to shorter periods of rainfall accompanied by unusually heavy downpours, overwhelming drainage systems, flooding rivers, damaging roads and forcing residents from their homes.
Kelani noted that scientific findings indicate rising global temperatures have increased atmospheric moisture, resulting in more intense rainfall, flooding, coastal erosion, desertification and prolonged droughts in different parts of Nigeria.
He said the recent floods that submerged roads, disrupted businesses and damaged homes in Lagos and other locations demonstrate the growing vulnerability of urban centres to climate-related disasters.
According to him, communities along the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as states in the North-Central, South-South, South-East, parts of the North-West and coastal regions, remain at high risk as the rainy season progresses.
Kelani urged residents in vulnerable communities not to wait until floodwaters arrive before taking action, calling on state and local governments, traditional rulers, religious organisations and community groups to intensify public awareness campaigns, clear drainage systems and activate emergency response plans ahead of peak rainfall.
He also encouraged Nigerians to adopt environmentally responsible practices, including proper waste disposal, regular clearing of drainage channels, tree planting and strict adherence to weather forecasts and flood advisories.
The presidential aide said Nigeria should draw lessons from countries with effective flood management systems by investing in modern drainage infrastructure, flood forecasting, early warning systems, sustainable urban planning and climate adaptation measures.
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He emphasised that while flooding cannot always be prevented, its devastating effects can be significantly reduced through proper planning, public awareness, engineering solutions and stronger institutions.
Kelani further stressed the importance of climate education, noting that many Nigerians still view flooding as merely heavy rainfall instead of recognising the combined effects of climate change, poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems and environmental degradation.
He added that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to implementing the Climate Change Act, the Energy Transition Plan and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions to strengthen the country’s resilience against climate-related disasters.
Kelani, however, maintained that government efforts alone would not be enough, urging citizens to play their part in protecting the environment and preparing for potential emergencies.
Nigeria experiences severe flooding almost every rainy season, with experts attributing the worsening situation to climate change, rapid urbanisation, inadequate drainage infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal. The devastating floods of 2022 affected more than 30 states, claimed over 600 lives, displaced about 1.4 million people and destroyed thousands of homes, schools, roads and farmlands.