Renowned environmental rights activist and development advocate, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on governors of the Niger Delta states to immediately activate comprehensive flood prevention and emergency response measures following fresh flood forecasts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Mulade, who is the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday, warning that any delay in responding to the looming threat could expose thousands of residents to another devastating humanitarian crisis.
He lamented what he described as the persistent neglect of citizens’ welfare by political leaders, accusing many public office holders of placing personal and political interests above their constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property.
According to him, recurring floods have continued to inflict severe hardship on communities across the Niger Delta, noting that many victims of the catastrophic 2012 floods and subsequent disasters are yet to fully recover from their losses.
“The absence of sustainable flood control measures and effective disaster management strategies has left vulnerable communities exposed to the same tragedy year after year,” Mulade stated.
The environmental advocate expressed concern over NiMet’s prediction of flash floods across 27 states as the country enters the peak of the rainy season, warning that without proactive intervention, widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, roads and critical infrastructure could once again cripple communities across the region.
He urged governors to work closely with relevant federal agencies, emergency management authorities, local government councils and community stakeholders to implement coordinated flood mitigation strategies capable of reducing the anticipated impact.
Mulade recommended immediate evacuation plans for residents in high-risk flood-prone communities, extensive desilting of rivers, waterways and drainage channels, strengthening of emergency response mechanisms, timely provision of relief materials and medical services for affected communities, as well as sustained public enlightenment campaigns on flood preparedness.
He specifically identified Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states as some of the areas historically worst affected by seasonal flooding, urging their governments to take the lead in implementing preventive measures before the situation deteriorates.
“Proactive planning, effective intergovernmental collaboration and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people remain the most effective strategies for preventing another large-scale flood disaster in the Niger Delta,” Mulade said.
His appeal follows NiMet’s warning that widespread rainfall during the peak of the rainy season could trigger severe flooding in several parts of the country, underscoring the need for urgent preventive action by all levels of government.
