Experts Urge Strengthened Urban Planning and Waste Management to Tackle Rising Flood Risk

Environmental experts across the South-South region have identified improved urban planning and effective waste management as critical strategies for preventing and mitigating flooding in Nigeria. This was revealed during a survey conducted by Voice of the People (VOP), which engaged stakeholders from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States on sustainable flood prevention methods.

The experts stressed that without strategic planning and public education, the frequency and impact of flooding across urban and rural areas would continue to increase, with devastating consequences for lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Poor Planning and Concrete Surfaces Escalate Urban Flooding

In Cross River State, Dr. Joel Effiong, a Hydrology and GIS specialist at the University of Calabar, attributed worsening urban floods to poor town planning practices. He criticized the common practice of paving entire residential plots, which prevents water from infiltrating the soil and increases surface runoff.

“Approving building plans is not enough,” he said. “Governments must enforce regulations that ensure permeable spaces are left for water absorption. Runoff is a primary driver of both floods and gully erosion.”

His colleague, Prof. Eze Bassey of the Department of Geography, echoed this sentiment. He advocated for routine updates and consultations with the state hydrograph to guide decision-making and warn communities about potential flood threats. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining Calabar’s main drainage system, which channels up to 80% of stormwater into the river during rainfall.

“Flood prevention isn’t solely the government’s responsibility. Communities must take ownership by regularly clearing local drains,” Bassey added.

Government Action: Drain Desilting and Public Sanitation

Commissioner for Environment in Cross River State, Mr. Moses Osogi, highlighted the government’s efforts, including ongoing drain desilting and awareness campaigns promoting environmentally responsible lifestyles. In collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the state has distributed hundreds of waste bins to urban areas.

“A dedicated task force has been deployed to apprehend individuals who improperly dispose of waste, as well as scavengers who contribute to waste dispersal by scattering bin contents into drains,” Osogi said.

Plastic Waste: A Major Culprit in Rivers State

In Rivers State, Mr. Benson Abu, National Publicity Secretary of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), revealed that over 60% of flood incidents in Port Harcourt and its environs are due to poor waste disposal, particularly plastic waste.

“WAMASON continues to push for better waste management through education, recycling initiatives, and proper handling of plastic waste, which is a major cause of blocked waterways,” Abu stated.

He urged residents to avoid dumping waste into drains and to maintain clean surroundings to facilitate proper water flow during the rainy season.

Similarly, Mr. Atajit Francis, Sole Administrator of Andoni Local Government Area, stressed that sanitation is vital to both health and flood prevention. “We are reintroducing monthly environmental sanitation exercises to ensure our communities remain clean and flood-free,” he said.

Urban Planning Reform Needed in Akwa Ibom

In Akwa Ibom, Town Planner Akpabio Ufot-Akpabio lamented the continued use of outdated colonial-era town planning laws in many states, including his own. He called on governments at all levels to modernize and enforce effective urban planning laws to curb indiscriminate development, especially in flood-prone areas.

“Despite early warnings from NiMet, many states fail to prepare adequately for floods. Proper planning is the missing link,” he said.

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, highlighted Akwa Ibom’s ongoing efforts, including drain desilting, street construction projects, and infrastructure improvements such as the Nkari Dam, which supports irrigation, water supply, and flood control. The state is also working with the federal government on early warning systems and community-based flood mitigation programs.

Public Attitude and Environmental Awareness

Environmental activist Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor emphasized that thoughtful town planning integrates floodplains, wetlands, and green spaces to reduce flooding and support ecosystems. He warned that poorly planned infrastructure projects—like roads and bridges in vulnerable zones—can worsen flood risks and limit the effectiveness of emergency responses.

Dr. Charles Effiong added that without a shift in public behavior, even the best plans could fail. “Many residents dump waste into drains or build over water channels, blocking natural water flow,” he noted. “We need urgent public sensitization campaigns to change attitudes and promote responsible waste disposal.”

He called on residents to take personal responsibility, especially during the rainy season, by regularly clearing drains and avoiding actions that obstruct water flow.

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Conclusion

Experts agree that solving Nigeria’s recurring flooding crisis requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. This includes modern urban planning, investment in infrastructure, strict enforcement of environmental laws, and most critically, a collective change in public behavior toward waste management and land use. With sustained commitment from governments, communities, and individuals, the South-South region—and Nigeria as a whole—can make significant strides in reducing flood-related disasters.