By Abbas Nazil
The Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, has called for urgent national action to strengthen climate resilience as flooding continues to affect Lagos and several other parts of Nigeria, warning that climate change has become an immediate development challenge rather than a distant environmental concern.
In a press statement made available to NatureNews, Kelani said the recent floods, which submerged roads, disrupted businesses, damaged homes and left thousands of residents stranded, should serve as a wake-up call for governments, institutions and citizens to move beyond disaster response and embrace long-term climate adaptation measures.
He noted that while the destruction caused by flooding often dominates headlines, the human suffering, economic losses and disruption of livelihoods demand sustained and coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities.
According to Kelani, environmental experts have warned that many flood-prone communities, particularly in Lagos, remain highly vulnerable as the peak of the rainy season approaches, stressing that preventive measures must be implemented without delay.
He explained that climate change has significantly altered Nigeria’s rainfall pattern, resulting in shorter periods of extremely heavy rainfall that overwhelm drainage systems, flood rivers, destroy infrastructure and displace communities.
Kelani said scientific evidence shows that rising global temperatures continue to increase atmospheric moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and more frequent flooding, alongside other climate-related challenges such as desertification, coastal erosion, prolonged droughts and rising temperatures across the country.
He stressed that flooding is no longer a challenge limited to Lagos, noting that communities along the River Niger, River Benue and several states across the North Central, South-South, South-East, North-West and coastal regions remain vulnerable to flash floods and overflowing rivers.
The presidential aide urged residents of flood-prone communities to begin preparations immediately instead of waiting for floodwaters to arrive, adding that state governments, local councils, traditional rulers, religious organisations and community associations all have vital roles in reducing disaster risks.
Drawing lessons from countries such as Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Japan, Kelani said effective flood management depends on sustained investments in drainage infrastructure, early warning systems, flood barriers, urban planning and public awareness rather than emergency responses alone.
He noted that while floods cannot always be prevented, their devastating impact can be significantly reduced through proper planning, preparedness and strong institutions.
Kelani also blamed indiscriminate waste disposal for worsening urban flooding, saying plastic bottles, nylon bags, refuse and construction debris frequently block drainage channels and waterways, causing even moderate rainfall to trigger severe flooding.
He urged Nigerians to clear drains around their homes and business premises regularly, avoid dumping waste into gutters and rivers, participate in environmental sanitation exercises, support tree planting and environmental restoration, remove illegal structures obstructing waterways where necessary, report blocked drainage channels to authorities and pay close attention to weather advisories.
He further called on local authorities to inspect drainage infrastructure, identify vulnerable communities, strengthen emergency response systems and intensify public awareness campaigns, while schools, markets, hospitals, religious centres and community leaders educate residents on evacuation procedures and emergency preparedness.
Kelani emphasised that climate education remains one of Nigeria’s strongest tools for building resilience, saying many citizens still regard flooding simply as heavy rainfall instead of recognising the combined effects of climate change, poor urban planning, environmental degradation, weak infrastructure and inadequate public awareness.
He urged governments at all levels to increase investment in modern drainage systems, flood forecasting technologies, wetland restoration, sustainable urban planning, climate-smart agriculture, improved waste management systems and stronger collaboration among federal, state and local authorities.
Kelani said these investments would not only reduce flood risks but also promote economic growth, create jobs and strengthen national resilience.
He added that the implementation of the Climate Change Act, the Energy Transition Plan, Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and other adaptation initiatives reflects the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to building a sustainable future.
Kelani, however, maintained that government efforts alone would not be sufficient, stressing that citizens must actively embrace environmental responsibility by protecting waterways, complying with weather advisories and supporting climate action to safeguard lives and ensure future generations inherit more resilient communities.
