Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has identified environmental fraud and neglect of town planning procedures as key contributors to the recurring flood disasters in the country.
NITP President, Nathaniel Atebije, raised these concerns on Monday during a media briefing in Enugu as part of the Institute’s 55th national conference, themed “Of Flood and Fraud.”
Atebije highlighted the devastating impact of recent floods, including those in Maiduguri, Borno State, which have affected millions and left 34 out of 36 states grappling with displacement.
He stated that these disasters could have been avoided with proper enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
“The most devastating issue in Nigeria today is environmental fraud—the illegal manipulation or misrepresentation of environmental data or activities, often for financial gain or to evade regulatory compliance,” Atebije said.
He explained that such fraud includes falsifying environmental impact assessments, illegal waste disposal, and misreporting emissions.
He added that these acts of negligence are carried out by individuals, corporations, and even government agencies.
“Lack of physical planning and poorly regulated urbanisation is the fundamental environmental fraud in Nigeria,” he stated.
Atebije stressed the need for credible government efforts to prevent floods, including engaging indigenous consultants and enforcing building regulations, zoning laws, and development control.
“Physical planning and development control are first among the requirements for averting flooding,” he said.
He called for the relocation of vulnerable communities in flood-prone areas and urged the government to create affordable housing schemes for resettled populations.
“The illegal exploitation of the environment for short-term gains creates long-term vulnerabilities,” Atebije warned, emphasising that environmental fraud worsens the effects of natural disasters like flooding.