Environment
Climate Change: Experts Predict Water, Food Challenges
There are emerging fears that in the next 20 years, half of Nigeria’s population will be facing water shortage, challenges, as well as a reduction in agricultural yield by 25%.
This is sequel to the report of researchers at the New York University to the effect that there is an alarming threat of climate change globally.
The report which further revealed “more volatile and intense heat waves and droughts occurring along with the Sea-level and extreme Coastal flooding, characterized by unpredictable Spatial Switches”, is said to be imminent in the not-too-distant future.
Experts say that the country will be one of the worst-hit by the negative impact of the climate change due to its low-lying coastal line.
In an analysis of “the climate change; its impact on agriculture in Nigeria”, Mr. Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, a prolific writer, pointed out that the negative impact of this enigma in Nigeria and its agricultural sector requires no emphasis, while he maintained that the impact is felt every where, Mr. Kuta explained that for about a 100 years now, Nigeria has been experiencing persistent increase in temperature, thus, Nigerian agriculture is vulnerable to climate change he said.
This development, he considered very serious since the sector contributes up to 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing about 70% of the country’s total labour force and realising that the determination of the present administration to meet the millennium Development Goals (MDGs) cannot be achieved in the face of these challenges arising from climate change.
Kuta maintained that the damages arising from climate change is devastating and so affect the learn resources available to the government to inject into agriculture and other sector for economic growth.
“In the health sector, weather fluctuation causes insurgence of infectious diseases such as malaria, cholera and meningitis particularly among rural dwellers which of course affects their quality of life.
Experts are therefore Concerned about the pace of environmental degradation occasioned by erosion and flooding.
It will be recalled that in the last six months, climate change related crises had been on the rise in various parts of the country with many people dying and many others displaced in addition to the washing away of their farmlands.
Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.
The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.
He said the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.
NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.
The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.
He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations
He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.
“The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterway.
A cleaner environment begins with collective responsibility. That commitment was evident across Umuahia on Saturday as thousands of residents turned out to participate in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with officials describing the compliance level as one of the most encouraging in recent months.
The impressive turnout has renewed hope that Abia’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment is steadily becoming a culture rather than a routine exercise.
The July monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Umuahia recorded about 80% compliance.
The Abia State Ministry of Environment described the turnout as a strong indication that residents are embracing Governor Alex Otti’s vision for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment, while calling for the establishment of Neighbourhood Environmental Watch groups to sustain the momentum.
The Abia State Government has commended residents of Umuahia for their impressive participation in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing the turnout as a strong indication that citizens are embracing the state’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise across major parts of the Umuahia metropolis, the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance and urged residents to sustain the momentum.
According to him, the success recorded during the exercise reflects growing public support for the environmental agenda of the Labour Party-led administration.
“I think, so far, so good. At this point, what we need to do is sustain the momentum. We should move forward with establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch so that residents can monitor compliance and ensure the initiative is sustained,” he said.
Mr. Oriuwa further applauded both residents and the organisers for the success of the exercise.
“Well, I must say I am very impressed. I appreciate the organisers for putting this programme together. It has been highly impressive, and I believe participants have learnt a great deal. From what I have observed so far, everything has been well organised, and I think they are doing an excellent job. I encourage them to keep up the good work because programmes like this are beneficial to everyone,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that environmental sanitation should become a daily culture rather than an activity observed only on designated sanitation days.
Drawing from an Igbo proverb, he explained why communities must collectively protect their environment.
“An Igbo proverb says that a goat owned by the public often goes hungry. That is why establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch is important. It will encourage residents to take collective responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and ensuring that sanitation efforts are sustained.”
He also urged government agencies to strengthen enforcement by deploying environmental health officers to carry out routine inspections and ensure compliance with sanitation laws.
