The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to embrace flood preparedness and environmental responsibility as heavy rains continue to threaten communities across the country, warning that climate change has fundamentally altered Nigeria’s rainfall patterns and intensified the risk of disasters.
The call followed recent flooding incidents in Lagos State and several other parts of the federation that left roads submerged, disrupted businesses and displaced residents.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to implementing the Climate Change Act, the Energy Transition Plan, Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and other adaptation programmes aimed at building a resilient and sustainable future.
Kelani stressed that stronger coordination among federal, state and local governments remained critical to reducing the impact of flooding nationwide, noting that: “these investments will not only reduce flood risks but also create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen national resilience.”
He noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, climate action occupies a central position in Nigeria’s sustainable development drive.
“The implementation of the Climate Change Act, the Energy Transition Plan, Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and various climate adaptation initiatives demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future,” he assured.
According to him, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters would continue to support initiatives that strengthen climate awareness, environmental stewardship, institutional collaboration and community participation.
“However, government efforts can only succeed when matched by responsible citizen action,” Kelani added.
Describing the recent floods as a wake-up call, the Presidential Aide urged Nigerians not to treat the disasters as another fleeting news event.
“The recent floods should not simply become another news cycle that fades with time. They should become a turning point where Nigerians collectively embrace environmental responsibility and prepare before disasters occur.
“Climate resilience must become everyone’s responsibility. To every household, clear your gutters. To every community, protect your waterways. To every local government, strengthen environmental sanitation. To every state government, invest in resilient infrastructure.”
Kelani warned that climate change was no longer a future concern but a present reality requiring urgent and sustained action.
“Climate change is no longer tomorrow’s problem. It is today’s reality. The actions we take today will determine whether future generations inherit safer, more resilient communities or continue to face recurring climate disasters,” he said.
He observed that while Lagos had attracted considerable attention because of its economic significance and coastal location, flooding remained a national challenge affecting virtually all geopolitical zones.
“Flooding is not a Lagos problem alone. Communities along the River Niger and River Benue continue to face annual threats, while states across the North Central, South-South, South-East and parts of the North-West remain exposed to flash floods and poor urban drainage systems,” he stated.
The climate adviser explained that changing weather patterns had disrupted Nigeria’s once predictable rainfall cycles, resulting in shorter but more intense downpours that overwhelm existing infrastructure.
“Scientific evidence continues to show that rising global temperatures are increasing atmospheric moisture, resulting in heavier precipitation events worldwide. Nigeria is already experiencing these impacts through more frequent flooding, coastal erosion, desertification, prolonged droughts and rising temperatures,” he said.
Kelani maintained that flooding should no longer be treated as a seasonal inconvenience but as a major national climate risk requiring strategic planning, sustained investment and collective responsibility.
Drawing lessons from global experiences, he pointed to countries such as Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Japan as examples of nations investing heavily in preparedness, early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.
“Floods cannot always be prevented, but disasters can be significantly minimized through planning, preparedness, engineering, public awareness and strong institutions. Nigeria must continue to learn from these global experiences while developing locally appropriate solutions,” he noted.
He further blamed indiscriminate waste disposal as one of the leading causes of urban flooding, urging citizens to refrain from dumping refuse into drainage channels and waterways.
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“Climate resilience begins with environmental responsibility. Every Nigerian has a role to play by clearing drainage systems, participating in sanitation exercises, supporting environmental restoration and paying attention to weather advisories,” he said.
Kelani therefore called on communities in flood-prone areas to activate emergency preparedness measures ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
“Waiting until floodwaters arrive is waiting too late. Prepared communities save lives and recover faster,” he stressed.
The Presidential Aide advocated greater investment in climate education, insisting that an informed population remained Nigeria’s strongest line of defence against climate-related disasters.
“Children should learn environmental stewardship from an early age, while the media, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions and civil society groups must deepen public awareness on climate risks and disaster preparedness,” he said.
He identified modern drainage systems, flood forecasting technologies, wetland restoration, sustainable urban planning, nature-based solutions and improved waste management as critical areas requiring increased investment.
According to him, only a combination of government commitment and active citizen participation can guarantee a safer and more resilient Nigeria in the face of growing climate threats.
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