Comprehensive strategies must address both environmental and sociopolitical challenges.

Nigeria is once again on high alert as fresh warnings of potential flooding loom over 11 states due to anticipated heavy rainfall this week. Subnational governments in affected states have urged residents along the River Rhine and coastal communities to relocate to safer areas. This persistent threat underscores an urgent need for both immediate and long-term measures to counteract the devastating impact of floods.

CNBC sat down with Nimmo Basi, the executive director of Health for Mother Earth Foundation, to discuss how Nigeria can mitigate the frequent floods exacerbated by climate change. During the interview, Basi pointed out the stark reality of Nigeria's vulnerability due to its insufficient flood mitigation infrastructure amidst increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

While the Nigerian government has improved its issuance of flood warnings, Basi emphasizes that significant gaps remain in preparing for and managing flood events. "We still have a lot of flooding," he stated, highlighting that Nigeria's climate conditions have seen more intense rainfalls that threaten communities around major river systems. The country's infrastructure, from drainage systems to residential buildings, remains largely insufficiently climate-proof, thereby exacerbating flood impacts.

Basi pointed to the catastrophic floods of 2022, which affected over 5 million Nigerians, as a grim reminder of what unpreparedness can lead to. "When these kinds of alerts come, they are really quite alarming," Basi noted, underscoring the need for clearly defined and accessible evacuation plans for residents.

In addressing long-term adaptation, Basi advocates for a multidimensional approach targeting the root causes of climate change, such as heavy reliance on fossil fuels and gas flaring in Nigeria. He argues that in order for meaningful progress to be achieved, global coordination to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be prioritized. "As long as the world refuses to shift away from fossil fuels, this crisis will persist and even intensify," he warned.

Furthermore, Basi stressed the importance of reinforcing Nigeria's infrastructure to withstand flooding and minimize their environmental impact. Developing robust drainage master plans and ensuring that construction is compliant with climate-resistant standards will be critical measures to support communities in flood-prone areas.

However, implementing these strategies is not without its challenges. For regions such as Maiduguri, the convergence of climate-induced floods and ongoing regional violence complicates response efforts. Basi emphasized the necessity of tackling these conflicts head-on to maintain critical infrastructure, such as the Ala Dam, that is vital for flood management.

"The intersection between violence and climate change is quite alarming," Basi noted, as he called for increased efforts toward peace-building and conflict resolution, which are essential to strengthening infrastructure resilience in conflict-prone areas.

Basi's commentary underscores a crucial message: Nigeria must pursue a holistic strategy that accounts for technological, environmental, and socio-political dimensions if it hopes to effectively cope with the escalating challenges posed by flood disasters.

In conclusion, while Nigeria faces substantial risks from flooding, proactive and comprehensive efforts can significantly mitigate the adverse effects. The need for coordinated action at individual, community, and governmental levels has never been more pressing, and the time to act is now.