Nigeria intensifies flood warning alerts

The Nigerian government is intensifying its calls on sub-nationals to take immediate action to prevent a recurrence of last year's devastating floods. Desmond Majekodunmi, a prominent environment activist and the founder of LUFASI Nature Park, expressed concerns during an interview with CNBC Africa about the lack of serious attention being paid to the warnings issued by federal authorities and international organizations. The warnings, based on scientific data, indicate that Nigeria is entering a cycle of increased rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon, posing a significant risk to lives, livelihoods, and the economy. Majekodunmi highlighted the factors contributing to the apathy towards flood preparedness, such as funding constraints, limited capacity, and a lack of political will. He emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change, stressing that global warming is a real and imminent threat that requires immediate action. The environmental expert called for a shift in attitudes towards environmental protection and the adoption of renewable energy solutions, citing the potential for profitability and positive impact on the environment. In the case of Lagos State, a coastal city vulnerable to flooding, Majekodunmi expressed optimism about the awareness and commitment of certain government officials to address the issue. He called for the effective utilization of federal ecological funds to implement flood mitigation strategies and protect the city from potential disasters. With the right allocation of resources and prompt action, he believed Lagos could successfully navigate the upcoming flood season. Regarding research and data-driven approaches to disaster preparedness, Majekodunmi acknowledged the efforts of meteorological organizations, emergency response agencies, and NGOs in monitoring and analyzing climate change impacts. He commended the recent collaboration between the federal government and environmental groups to ensure efficient fund deployment and enhance monitoring systems. The activist emphasized the importance of public engagement and accountability in driving environmental protection initiatives, urging citizens to play an active role in advocating for sustainable practices and early intervention. In conclusion, Majekodunmi expressed hope for a collective effort to combat climate-related challenges, emphasizing the unifying nature of environmental conservation efforts in Nigeria. He called for unity across societal divides to address the looming threat of severe floods and underscored the importance of timely action and cooperation in mitigating potential disasters. The collaboration between government, civil society, and the public, he believed, held the key to safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change.