FENRAD Urges Swift Action as Abia Faces Looming Flood Threat: Calls for Government Readiness and Stakeholder Awareness By Raymond Enoch
With alarming forecasts from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) predicting severe flooding across 31 Nigerian states this year—including Abia—the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has issued a strong call to action for urgent, coordinated response and preparedness.
FENRAD, a leading environmental rights advocacy group, is urging the Abia State Government and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize early mitigation and adaptation strategies. The organization emphasized the importance of conducting baseline studies in flood-prone communities to guide evidence-based interventions and bolster resilience against what may become a climate-induced humanitarian crisis.
In response to federal flood alerts, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has already begun sensitization efforts across Abia’s 17 local government areas. The initiative aims to bring early warning systems directly to the grassroots, equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of potential flooding.
Governor Alex Otti has publicly acknowledged the threat, noting that 11 out of Abia’s 17 LGAs are at heightened risk. He has pledged infrastructural renewal and community engagement as part of a broader strategy to tackle urban flooding—especially in Aba, where his administration plans to eliminate flood risks within 18 months. This effort includes building durable access roads and implementing a zero-pothole policy aimed at improving drainage systems.
“Flooding is not just an environmental challenge—it is a threat to livelihoods, homes, and human rights,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD’s Executive Director. “The time to act is now. Delay could lead to avoidable loss of life and property.”
FENRAD advocates a multi-stakeholder approach, urging collaboration between civil society, government agencies, and community groups. The organization recommends a suite of actions: establishing community-based early warning systems, increasing public awareness campaigns, and developing flood-resilient infrastructure.
In a bid to strengthen national disaster response, the Federal Government has inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC). The council, working in partnership with NiMet and NIHSA, is expected to coordinate strategies and raise awareness of climate resilience practices across Nigeria.
FENRAD’s ongoing work in promoting environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction positions the group as a critical voice in shaping policy and community engagement on environmental challenges. As floods loom over Abia and beyond, the organization’s call for preparedness and collective action could not be more urgent.
