Maiduguri floods: A call for help, action

On September 10, 2024, Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, was thrown into chaos as the Alau Dam overflowed, flooding large parts of the city and displacing nearly half of its population. This devastating event mirrors the tragic flooding of 1994, once again raising alarms about the pressing realities of climate change and global […]

On September 10, 2024, Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, was thrown into chaos as the Alau Dam overflowed, flooding large parts of the city and displacing nearly half of its population. This devastating event mirrors the tragic flooding of 1994, once again raising alarms about the pressing realities of climate change and global warming. The recurrence of such disasters is rooted in the glaring absence of effective infrastructure to mitigate such crises and demands serious attention.

The human toll of this disaster is staggering. Homes, livelihoods and communities have been destroyed, leaving many families stranded and forced to seek refuge in camps and schools or makeshift shelters. The images of submerged streets, collapsed buildings and the anguished faces of the displaced paint a grim picture of a city once again on its knees. Unfortunately, Maiduguri is no stranger to displacement, having already borne the brunt of a near-decade-long insurgency that has ravaged the Borno State and beyond. The latest floods only add to the profound suffering of a populace already stretched to its limits.

There is no denying that global warming and climate change are becoming increasingly real, with developing countries like Nigeria feeling the brunt of these changes. In Borno State, the consequences of climate change are stark, as seen in the swelling of rivers, lakes and dams that once seemed stable.

However, it is not enough to simply point fingers at the global phenomenon of climate change. The impact of global warming on our environment requires collective action, especially from governments at all levels, to put in place policies, infrastructure and sustainable development strategies to mitigate future risks. The federal government, in partnership with international stakeholders, must urgently scale up efforts to improve the state’s flood management systems and ensure that the next time heavy rains strike, Maiduguri and other vulnerable places are better prepared.

The Borno State government’s resources have been overstretched due to years of fighting Boko Haram, which has already displaced millions of people in the state. The insurgency has not only crippled the economy but has also diverted attention and funds away from critical development projects, leaving the state ill-prepared to cope with disasters of this magnitude. In light of this, it is essential to seek support from external sources.

Given Borno State’s limited resources, the role of international donors cannot be overstated. Global financial institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), and the European Union (EU) should recognise the urgency of the situation and provide assistance to help rebuild the region’s infrastructure and mitigate the risk of future floods.

The World Bank, through its various environmental and disaster risk management programmes, has the capacity to offer financial and technical assistance to ensure that Maiduguri is better equipped to handle future crises. Similarly, the African Development Bank has shown commitment to promoting sustainable infrastructure across Africa, making it an ideal partner in efforts to construct new dams, improve drainage systems and strengthen flood preparedness.

The European Union, with its strong humanitarian ties to Nigeria, can also contribute to the recovery process by providing grants, expertise, and technology transfers aimed at improving Maiduguri’s climate resilience. Such partnerships are crucial in addressing the root causes of these recurrent disasters while supporting long-term recovery and development.

While international donors can provide much-needed financial support, the primary responsibility for addressing the flooding crisis lies with the Federal Government of Nigeria. In collaboration with the Borno State government, the federal government must take swift action to prioritise flood prevention measures across our country. This means increasing investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and bolstering disaster response mechanisms.

The federal government should also consider establishing a task force that brings together relevant stakeholders, including environmental experts, urban planners and engineers to assess the vulnerabilities of flood-prone areas like Maiduguri. By conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing tailored flood mitigation strategies, Nigeria can prevent future disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

One significant factor that compounds the flooding problem is the poor environmental management practices in the northern region. The public must be enlightened to take care of the environment and stop blocking the waterways and drainage systems. For too long, it has been a common habit across the northern states to dispose of waste in a manner that blocks water paths, which exacerbates flooding during heavy rains.

The government must intensify its public awareness campaigns and strictly enforce environmental regulations to ensure that drainage systems remain clear and proper waste disposal is practised across Maiduguri and beyond. Without addressing these behavioural issues, even the best infrastructure will struggle to prevent flooding.

What is clear from this latest disaster is that Maiduguri cannot afford another crisis of this magnitude. The city’s population, already weakened by insurgency and displacement, cannot withstand repeated displacements caused by preventable flooding. The time for action is now.

The September 10 floods exposed a critical infrastructure gap in Borno State. The Alau Dam, once seen as a reliable safeguard against the ravages of floodwaters, is evidently inadequate in its current state. The dam’s failure to contain the floods is symptomatic of a broader issue, the city’s aging and insufficient flood management infrastructure. While the flooding of 1994 should have served as a wake-up call for proactive measures, it seems that history is repeating itself due to inaction.

I think constructing additional dams and upgrading existing flood control systems are not optional steps; they are necessities. Flood barriers, drainage systems and embankments need to be designed to withstand the increasing intensity of rains that climate change brings. The damage and displacement from this recent flood will only worsen unless there is an urgent push for comprehensive infrastructural development.

Climate change will only exacerbate the risks of flooding and other extreme weather events in the years to come. Without immediate investment in infrastructure, the cost for both human and economic will be catastrophic. Preventing another flood disaster like the one witnessed in 1994 and now again in 2024 requires long-term planning, the construction of new dams, and the strengthening of Maiduguri’s flood resilience.

Adam, Ph.D wrote from Abuja