Flooding and Climate Vulnerability in Nigeria: Community Struggles and Gaps
Climate change has intensified the events of natural hazard in Nigeria, with flooding being the most common, particularly in the southern and middle belt regions of the country, where rising sea levels and unpredictable rainfall patterns combine with human activities such as oil drilling and mining. These activities disturb the environment and contribute to the severity of floods, leading to community displacement, destruction of property, and tragic loss of lives.
The areas most affected are the low-lying southern and middle belt states, where communities are directly exposed to recurring flood actions. Their vulnerability stems from poor information, and insufficient government intervention, leaving them unable to adequately protect themselves against worsening climate impacts.
In response, local communities have adopted coping strategies, including raising awareness, while some relocate during peak flooding seasons to minimize risks. However, these efforts remain basic compared to the scale of the problem, and each year the situation appears to deepen further.
Support from institutions is uneven. Local and International NGOs play a vital role by educating communities and promoting resilience, but their impact is not yet widespread enough to reverse the trend. The government’s position on the issue remains unclear, and its response is widely seen as inadequate given the severity of the challenges. As a result, communities continue to rely heavily on grassroots initiatives and external support, though the overall effectiveness of these interventions is still limited.