Nigeria Urges Flood Preparedness Amid Climate Change Risks

On Wednesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria urged citizens to begin immediate preparations for potential flooding as the rainy season intensifies, highlighting significant alterations in the country’s rainfall patterns due to climate change. Yussuf Kelani, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, stated that climate change is no longer a future concern but a present-day challenge requiring coordinated action.

He noted that Nigeria is experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall, leading to overwhelming drainage systems and increased flood risks across several states, including Lagos and Benue. Kelani emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and urged communities to inspect drainage infrastructure and adopt environmentally responsible practices.

He also called for public awareness campaigns and the implementation of modern drainage systems and flood forecasting. President Bola Tinubu's administration remains committed to implementing climate change acts and energy transition plans, stressing that government efforts must be matched by citizen action to effectively address climate-related disasters.