By Nedu Okorie

Over the past weeks, many parts of Nigeria have been visited by torrential downpours, some lasting for days. This has obviously wrought severe havoc in those areas. From severe flooding, to increased fatalities in boats accidents, as well as the outbreak of cholera, are some of the social hurdles that has been witnessed in those communities. As Nigeria battles these widespread occurrence, criticisms are mounting against the federal government for its perceived negligence and lack of proactive measures. Many citizens and experts argue that much of this devastation could have been mitigated with better planning and infrastructure.

The Borno Misfortune

In Borno State where the Alua dam release has worsened flooding, residents have accused the federal government of failing to anticipate the impacts and prepare adequately for the flood season. The lack of early warning systems, poor urban drainage, and insufficient investment in flood control infrastructure have left communities vulnerable year after year.

The release of water from the dam, intended to prevent dam overflow, has caused rivers to swell and spill into communities, leading to displacement and severe infrastructure damage.

Already grappling with the aftermath of the floods, Borno has now confirmed a cholera outbreak in several affected areas, further complicating relief efforts. The Borno State government has responded swiftly by approving 400,000 doses of cholera vaccines to combat the outbreak. However, access to remote flood-hit communities remains a challenge, with many areas cut off by the rising waters. The health authorities are working to contain the spread of the disease as waterborne infections continue to pose a significant risk. A lot of public affairs and policy commentators have however condemned the reactionary gestures by the government in handling situations like this, that should have normally been prevented through proper monitoring and evaluation.

Niger Boat mishap

The tragic boat that capsized in Niger State, claimed at least 60 lives, primarily women and children, during a journey for the Maulud celebration. Over 300 passengers were aboard, despite warnings against overloading. 150 survivors were however rescued, but 108 remain missing. The incident highlights ongoing safety issues in Nigeria’s water transport system, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enforcement of safety measures.

I spoke to Mr Adeola Adeyanju, a public affairs analyst in Ilorin on National Affairs, a weekend political radio show concerning the flood incidents across many states in Nigeria. He opined that simple and proper precautionary measures, such as the use of life vests, maintenance and replacement of boats, as well as avoidance of overloading.

“It’s so unfortunate, because if you look at number of lives that is being lost on accidents in Nigeria per annum, if you combine the air, rail, and road, you’ll discover that a lot of people die through it. But this issue of boat capsizing is becoming rampant, especially in that axis (northern axis), and the cause of it is not far-fetched. It is simply lack of precautionary measures. While traveling through the Niger State axis of Kwara State, I discovered that the boat being used there is obsolete, and I look at those who pilot the boat, they are youth are are just looking for a quick means of survival without being mindful of their safety and the safety of their passengers.” said Adeyanju.

In response to the Niger State boat mishaps, President Tinubu ordered an investigation and directed the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enhance surveillance and enforce safety regulations. Measures include banning night travel, prohibiting wooden boats, and mandating life jackets for all passengers. Additionally, the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association plans to extend training initiatives to improve safety standards among operators.

In terms of how the incidence of boat mishap as a result of flooding can be mistigated, Adeyanju said that accurate measures needs to be put in place in terms of proper orientation and sensitisation on the part of government at all levels and other private stakeholders.

“Government should take accurate measure, especially NEMA, both state and federal, on sensitisation and effective monitoring, not just giving information. Because I’ve heard a situation where life jackets was given to a particular locality by NEMA, the traditional ruler in that area was saying that it’s the Okada people (commercial motorcyclists) that were using the life jackets. Putting all these together, we have to checkmate all these. Informal education has also played a critical role in all these. It should be a joint effort between the government and the people.” said Adeola Adeyanju.

NEMA’s reactionary approach

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has often been perceived as reactionary in its approach to handling disasters and emergencies. While NEMA’s mandate includes disaster preparedness, prevention, and response, its handling of crises has frequently been criticized for delayed response, inadequate resources, poor coordination amongst others.

Adeyanju concured with the assertion that NEMA seems docile and curative in responding to issues of emergency.

“There are times when if the public monitor government activities, it’ll be effective. For instance, you know the Nigerian police force is a little bit better off compared to what it used to be, simple because the NSCDC (Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp) always overtake their activities, and from there the Police are waking up to their responsibilities. Although they’re not where we want them to be. But because they’re in the surrounding of the populace who will critisise their efforts, they rise up to responsibility. In the remote villages we don’t get to hear any information regarding sensitisation and advocacy, because those in the rural areas are not well literate to call out the government and their excesses.” said Adeyanju.

However, despite these criticisms, NEMA has had recorded some successes in its efforts, especially during major disasters where collaboration with international partners and local governments has improved relief delivery. Nevertheless, there is growing pressure for the agency to adopt a more proactive, rather than reactionary stance in its disaster management strategies.

A Growing Crisis that requires immediate attention

As Nigeria battles with the effects of these extreme weather events, with climate change forcing flooding to be increasingly powerful and frequent, experts, the government and humanitarian organisations need to work together in mitigating this challenge. But with the rainy season still far from over, it has never been more critical that we act urgently and coordinated.