The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to begin immediate preparations for possible flooding as the rainy season intensifies, warning that climate change has significantly altered the country’s rainfall patterns and increased flood risks across several states.
Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Kelani, said recent flooding in Lagos and other parts of the country highlights the urgent need for governments, communities, and citizens to prioritise disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
According to Kelani, climate change has transformed rainfall patterns, with many areas now experiencing short but intense downpours that overwhelm drainage systems, flood rivers, damage infrastructure, and displace communities.
He noted that scientific evidence shows rising global temperatures are increasing atmospheric moisture, resulting in heavier rainfall, more frequent flooding, coastal erosion, desertification, and prolonged droughts across different parts of Nigeria.
Kelani warned that flood risks extend beyond Lagos, with communities along the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as states in the North-Central, South-South, South-East, parts of the North-West, and coastal regions, remaining highly vulnerable.
He urged residents of flood-prone communities to prepare early rather than wait until floodwaters arrive, while calling on state and local governments, traditional rulers, religious organisations, and community groups to strengthen public awareness, inspect drainage infrastructure, and activate emergency response plans.
Kelani also encouraged Nigerians to adopt environmentally responsible practices such as clearing drainage channels, disposing of waste properly, planting trees, and following weather forecasts and flood advisories.
He stressed that while the Federal Government remains committed to implementing climate resilience policies under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Climate Change Act and the Energy Transition Plan, government efforts must be matched by responsible citizen 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,” Kelani said.
