Flooding in Nigeria is Transitioning Into A National Security Concern

AVM (RTD) AKUGBE IYAMU MNSA fsi

PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS 

CONSULTANT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANALYST ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND COMMENTATOR ON NATIONAL ISSUES 

There is a new nexus between displaced people, crime and national security. Over the year, some criminals have owned their origin to IDP camps where more than 4 million people across Nigeria are displaced, neglected, frustrated and thrown into destitution by the government that is supposed to protect them. When left unattended, they will gradually graduate into venturing into more lucrative business of robbery, kidnapping and banditary.

Flooding in Nigeria has become a threat to food security, environmental security and national security as it inaudate every part of this country. This is time to take a hard long look at the national disaster management policies, national budgets and how sustainable are the measures and the means of funding them.

As 2026 flooding eruptions has demonstrated, Nigeria disaster management systems fault lines are many and response measures and capacities remain fraught with inadequacies, inefficiencies and lack of capacities. It is therefore expected that relevant agencies will remain active as citizens are frozen in IDP camps.

In the prevailing condition, negative rhetorics could easily become tools for magnifying the suffering, frustrations and destitution thus magnifying and aggravating the latent tension of poverty, hunger, inequality and insecurity. This year’s flooding has clearly shown the need for a fact based knowledge of national security concerns and that should inform polices and programs. This should be advanced to help the lives and livelihoods of citizens particularly those affected by flooding and currentlyme in IDP camps.

Considering what transpired during the 2026 flooding, everything need to be done to prepare for the future. It is also important for political leaders to be sensitive about their rhetorics. Response agencies must demonstrate traceable capabilities and responsiveness to the public they swore to serve and accept the urgent need to increase awareness, transparency and accountability.

This based on research and Studies that many Nigerians are currently experiencing deprivation, hunger, insecurity, anxiety and depression due to harsh conditions of the economy and security and cannot absorb more. The sub nationals government must concentrate on using their share of the Ecological Funds to address externalities of flooding disaster.

Flooding is a scandal, it brings tears and sorrows and statecraft is not governance in denial but one who seek solutions to solve problems.

WARNINGS!!!!!!!!!!

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