Safe and Better Nigeria (SBN), a prominent non-governmental organization, has called on the federal and state governments to take crucial lessons from the country’s past destructive floods and make preparations for the anticipated 2024 flood.
Nigeria has experienced severe flooding in the years 2012, 2018, 2020, and 2022, which caused extensive damage and loss of lives and property. In a statement released on Friday, SBN’s National Coordinator, Solomon Ikpaka, stated the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of the forthcoming flood predicted to be of high magnitude by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMETH).
Ikpaka urged state governments, especially those bordering the River Niger, to ensure the safety of their residents and property during the anticipated flood. He highlighted that many families are still struggling to recover from the devastating losses of previous floods.
The NGO stressed the importance of governments at all levels working in synergy with community leaders to identify suitable areas for shelters. Ikpaka also called for the provision of essential supplies, such as food, water, and medicines, for those seeking refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
“Past experiences should teach us enough lessons on how to manage floods. Governments should learn from the situation so that people will not die of diseases, snakebites, and hunger,” the statement read. Ikpaka also highlighted the economic repercussions of floods, including hardship, inflation, and significant losses for businesses.
To reduce the risk of future floods, SBN recommended landfill efforts in flood-prone communities, the construction of dams, and the dredging of the River Niger and its tributaries. The NGO called on the Federal Government, state governments, and the National Assembly to develop a legal framework mandating these preventive measures.
