On May 28, 2025, Mokwa in Niger State faced a shocking flash flood, marking it as one of the worst disasters of the year. This flood was different. It wasn’t caused by dam releases or river overflows but by heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the area and broke an old protective embankment.
Early in the morning, many residents found their homes submerged before they could react. In just a few hours, the town faced devastation, with goods washed away and over 200 lives lost.
The disaster highlighted major issues: poor infrastructure, inadequate urban planning, and the absence of an effective Early Warning System (EWS). Experts emphasize that effective flood management requires not just alerts but coordinated responses. As climate change intensifies, these gaps in public service and environmental governance need urgent attention, or the costs will continue to rise.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned of high flood risks in 198 local government areas across 32 states. The situation is alarming, with more severe rainfall predicted.
Mokwa has always been prone to floods. Residents built homes on dry tributaries, wrongly believing the water had been permanently redirected. Urban planning laws are often ignored, leading to risky developments on floodplains.
This neglect reveals broader issues in Nigeria’s climate response. Despite accurate forecasts from agencies like NiMet and NIHSA, timely actions are often missing. Without a robust EWS, predictions alone won’t keep communities safe. An effective system needs real-time monitoring, evacuation drills, and clear communication, so everyone is informed when danger looms.
Poor urban planning further exacerbates flood disasters. Many homes in Mokwa stood on flood paths. In larger cities like Lagos and Abuja, construction continues on natural water routes, often backed by dubious government approvals. Local authorities’ inaction can seem complicit, making communities distrust warnings about evacuations.
Community involvement is crucial. Past government relocations have faced protests due to mistrust. For relocation to be effective, it must be transparent and fair.
Infrastructure maintenance also plays a vital role. Many dams and rivers are clogged, increasing flood risks. Regular inspections and cleaning must become standard practices. Without them, communities remain vulnerable during heavy rains.
Insurance for flood-related damages is almost non-existent in Nigeria. After the disaster in Mokwa, countless homes and businesses suffered losses without coverage. While the National Flood Insurance Policy was introduced, many remain unaware of how it functions.
State emergency agencies are often absent on the ground. Each state should have its own emergency management team, ready to respond quickly. In Mokwa, despite support from various organizations, the local response struggled to meet needs.
The management of ecological funds also lacks transparency. Funds designed to improve resilience often don’t reach intended projects. Effective tracking and oversight are essential for ensuring these funds support real change.
Climate adaptation shouldn’t be isolated within environmental ministries. Nigeria needs a whole-of-society approach to integrate climate considerations into all areas of governance. The 2021 Climate Change Act holds promise, but many states have yet to adopt these new frameworks.
The challenges ahead are significant, but delay will only worsen the situation. As climate change escalates, proactive measures are essential. The lessons from Mokwa need to inform action across the country.
In summary, Mokwa has shown that effective climate adaptation must focus on prevention as much as response. Building systems where forecasts lead to actionable plans will improve community safety. The goal is to foster trust between governments and communities, ensuring better protection against climate-related disasters in the future.
By Sulaimon Arigbagbu, Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, working on policy changes for climate justice and sustainable development.
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climate adaptation,Flood crisis,Mokwa flood,Nigeria,Sulaimon Arigbabu
