Journal of Geography  & Natural Disasters
Open Access

Abstract

Flooding and Flood Risk Reduction in Nigeria: Cardinal Gaps

Nkwunonwo UC, Whitworth Malcolm and Baily Brian

This study reflects on critical issue relating to flooding in Nigeria such as causes, impacts and remedies. Flooding which arguably has been more damaging for Nigeria has worsened recently due to a number of possible factors including rapid population growth, urbanization, poor urban planning and climate change especially in increased frequency and intensity of rainfall. Attempts to tackle the hazard in Nigeria appear to be limited by lack of flood data and other remote causes which are yet to be identified. In view of this background, the present study reviews the widespread flooding in Nigeria and efforts to tackle it. Over the period 1985 to 2014, flooding in Nigeria has affected more than 11 million lives with a total of 1100 deaths and property damage exceeding US$17 billion. Lagos state has experienced most of the floods while more frequent floods are recorded in Niger, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano and Jigawa states possibly due to the influence of rivers Niger, Benue, Ogun and Hadeja. It is argued that more robust and scientific approaches to flood risk reduction such as: flood modeling and vulnerability assessment are lacking. To align the focus of flood risk reduction in Nigeria with the objectives of such a task in more developed countries (such as the United States, United Kingdom and the Netherlands) which is among three fundamental issues to be addressed in Nigeria, the present study makes pivotal recommendations.