2023 floods: How prepared is Nigeria?

The National Emergency Management Agency in Nigeria is intensifying its flood warnings following the assessment of the recent rainfall in Lagos. More than 200 buildings and over 300 families were affected by the heavy rainfall in May, highlighting the urgent need for better preparedness and adaptation to the changing climate patterns. Desmond Majekodunmi, the Founder of Lufasi Nature Park, spoke in an interview with CNBC Africa about the current state of preparedness in Nigeria and the necessary steps to address the growing threat of floods. Majekodunmi emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of the changing climate and prevent future disasters. He pointed out that the current systems in place are not sufficient to handle the increased rainfall intensity and volume due to the changing climate patterns. The warming of the atmosphere is leading to more evaporation and heavier rainfall, overwhelming the existing drainage systems. Majekodunmi highlighted the importance of dredging riverbeds to increase their capacity to carry water and protect flood-prone areas. He also stressed the need for government intervention to support citizens living in vulnerable areas and ensure their safety during extreme weather events. The conversation also turned towards the need to rethink urban planning and infrastructure development in coastal cities like Lagos. Majekodunmi underscored the importance of building climate-resistant infrastructure and preserving natural ecosystems like mangroves to mitigate the impact of floods and enhance the resilience of cities. He called for a greater momentum in the conversation around climate adaptation and funding for sustainable development projects to build eco-friendly and resilient cities in Nigeria. As the country faces increasing risks from climate change and extreme weather events, urgent action is needed to protect lives and livelihoods and build a more sustainable future.