Quick steps governments can take to drastically reduce the impact of impending floods- rainy season.

It is that time of the year in Nigeria when lives are lost and properties worth millions of Naira are damaged due to lack of proper surface drainage system causing floods in most urban towns.

It is sad to see a country that calls itself the African Giant being ridden with flood and good measures haven't been set in place. Based on research Nigeria currently has the largest number of people hit by flooding among 19 African countries. The deadliest natural disaster in the world, floods claim more lives and destroy more property than any other natural occurrence.

 According to information obtained from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), World Food Programme (WFP), and Tellier Research, at least 3.5 million out of the five million individuals in Africa who have been impacted by the flood are Nigerians.

Let's explore some quick steps that governments can take drastically to ensure the impact of this impending flood is being reduced.

1. Cooperation between government and stakeholders

Mitigating flooding in Nigeria demands a collaborative strategy, wherein the government and stakeholders unite, combining resources and expertise to deploy a comprehensive range of sustainable solutions. These solutions encompass early warning systems, flood mapping, infrastructure maintenance, land-use planning, public awareness, disaster response plans, climate adaptation, insurance programs, international cooperation, and research and innovation, all tailored to significantly reduce flood impacts.

2. Workshops should be held

• Several workshops were organized in different parts of the country to brainstorm on flood management techniques that would be at par with global best practices.
• The establishment of a thoughtfully orchestrated state-wide community flood preparedness, sensitization, and management program is paramount for bolstering disaster resilience and safeguarding our communities.

3. Control and mitigation approach

Implementing effective control measures, such as the construction of robust drainage systems, strategically placing buffer dams, and designing housing structures to prevent blockages of natural drainage and waterways, are essential components of comprehensive flood prevention strategies.

4. Provision of Funds 

Ensuring the adequacy of financial resources for pertinent flood prevention agencies is of paramount importance. It is necessary to rigorously oversee these funds to prevent any potential mismanagement, thereby guaranteeing their optimal utilization for effective flood mitigation measures.

5. Climate Adaptation

Incorporating climate change considerations into urban planning and infrastructure development involves assessing risks, zoning adjustments, resilient infrastructure design, flood management, natural ecosystem conservation, sustainable water management, energy, and transportation resilience, community engagement, policy updates, and ongoing data monitoring, all aimed at bolstering resilience against floods and climate-related impacts.

In conclusion, Nigeria struggles with severe flooding, ranking high among African nations in terms of its impact. This article emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between government and stakeholders, workshops for flood management, control measures, financial support, and climate adaptation to combat this pressing issue effectively.