The Recurring Flooding Question in Nigeria And The Need For Recalibration of The Country’s Response Measures And Systems

AVM RTD AKUGBE IYAMU MNSA fsi 

PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS

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

The Lagos 2026 flooding has again underscored the enormity of the nation’s inadequate response measures to natural disasters. The country has again been met at the same spot of unpreparedness with dire consequences for vulnerable people.

Response agencies need to intensify operations and evolve an all time mechanism and framework based on research, data and analysis for response, rescue and recovery. The Lagos unprecedented flooding was another addition to the long lists of natural disasters because it came at a time when the vulnerable communities heaved a sigh of relief after predictions that government was on top of the situation.

The flooding was therefore a wakeup call for the various levels of governments to frontally confront the menace because flooding across the country has become a recurring existential crisis that should not be allowed to continue. The Lagos flooding has become one too many and a serious indictment on the government and response agencies.

Beyond the press conferences and tough talks, there is need for urgent action to tackle the problem because the recent devastation was a clear testimony that natural disasters have assumed a dangerous dimension in the country.

The ugly development call for reorganisation of strategies by response agencies who need to redouble efforts and recalibrate disaster management spectrum. As modern disaster management spectrum depends so much on data, technology and research. I urge the government to invest in drones and other high precision weather monitoring equipment in the disaster management spectrum.