Abuja: A petroleum engineer and environmentalist, Mr. Charles Deigh, has attributed the recurring cases of urban flooding in Nigeria to poor design, construction, and maintenance of drainage systems across major cities. Deigh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that inadequate and blocked drainage channels had continued to worsen flooding, especially during the rainy season.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Deigh explained that while climate change and heavy rainfall contribute to flooding, the lack of effective drainage infrastructure remained the major cause of the recurring disasters. He pointed out that in most Nigerian cities, drains are either undersized, poorly built, or completely blocked with waste. This causes stormwater to overflow into homes, roads, and markets, leading to significant damage.
Lagos was highlighted as one of the worst-affected areas, with recent heavy rains submerging locations such as Lekki, the 3rd Mainland Bridge, Ago Palace Way, Ayobo-Ipaja, Fola Osibo, and Sangotedo. This resulted in the destruction of property worth billions of naira. Similar situations have been observed in Bayelsa, Benue, Anambra, Imo, Rivers, and Niger states.
Deigh emphasized the additional public health risks, noting that floodwaters often mix with refuse and sewage, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. He noted that children are particularly vulnerable and highlighted the economic toll of flooding, as it disrupts commerce and damages infrastructure.
He advocated for urgent preventive measures, insisting that flood prevention must replace emergency response in Nigeria’s approach to flood management. He stressed that flooding is not just a natural disaster but also a consequence of neglect and weak governance. Deigh urged the government to enforce building codes, regularly expand and desilt drainage channels, and provide functional waste management systems.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had previously warned that most parts of the country would experience above-normal rainfall in 2025, urging states to strengthen flood-prevention measures and improve urban drainage systems.