For the government to be able to adequately prepare for flooding and reduce damages as well as casualties, it has to invest more in suitable infrastructure. The federal government has, therefore, been advised to increase funding for the climate resilient infrastructure in those regard. A Civil Society Organisation, Connected Development(CODE) made the call.
But realising that it would be too daunting for the Nigerian government to do alone, CODE also implored its international partners to collaborate in this area to save the property and lives of residents of flood prone areas in the country.
The call was made in a statement signed by the group’s Assistant Director Programs and Community Engagement, Hyeladzira James Mshelia. The group, in the statement, also stated that for the government to address the recurring flood crises and the broader climate emergency, the climate change and ecological funds must be immediately mobilised to support flood relief efforts in Maiduguri and other affected regions.
“The government should ensure that the funds are utilized transparently, and all disbursements must be tracked and reported to the public,” it said.
It also called for a community-led solution where women and youth in the local communities in the country are empowered and supported to lead climate resilience efforts.
“This can be achieved through capacity building programs, the establishment of Community Reading Centers (CRCs) for awareness on environmental protection, and the mobilization of community based organizations to monitor government action on flood prevention,” the group explained.
In addition to funding, the group also wants the international community to bring in technical support to address Nigeria’s climate/environmental challenges.
“Given the scale of devastation, international aid agencies and global climate funds should focus on flood relief and long-term climate adaptation strategies in Nigeria,” it noted.
It added that all levels of government, as well as corporations operating in flood-affected areas, must be held accountable for their role in exacerbating environmental vulnerabilities.
“ This includes companies like Shell Plc, whose operations have contributed to environmental degradation in the South-South region as well as officials of the government found culpable of not maintaining the Alau dam in Borno State as the Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on October 12th 2023, committed to rehabilitating the collapsed 112 million reservoir capacity of the Dam in the state.
“There is also a N78,210,989 earmarked for Dam Safety Monitoring and another N159,403,663 for Dams and Reservoir Operations Surveillance programme among others in the 2024 Federal Ministry of Water Resources’ budget. How has this been utilised?,” the group queried.
It emphasised that the latest floods in Borno State were a clear indication of the failure of the government to adequately prepare for and respond to climate disasters.
The group noted that it was a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental crises that it has consistently raised alarms about through the Community Media Collaboration for Climate Justice project and other transparency and accountability initiatives.
While applauding NEMA’s efforts to collaborate closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, is available to affected communities, the group stated that those steps were insufficient in the absence of long-term, inclusive solutions that prioritise the well-being of those affected.
“We stand by the communities we have worked with in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States and extend our support to those currently suffering in Maiduguri. It is time for the Nigerian government and the international community to commit to lasting change and ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard and their lives protected,” the group stated.
