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Flood: Concerns Mount Over Effect On Structures
The last is yet to be heard on the flooding in cities as concerns are mounting over its effects on submerged homes.
Built-environment professionals monitoring the development have reinforced the need for the Federal and state governments to embark on a post-disaster survey of buildings in affected states.
They’re also recommending structural integrity or non-destructive tests of the buildings, especially the ones above one-floor to determine their continuous fitness for habitation and mitigate building collapse incidents across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) data revealed that as of October 24, 181,600 houses have been partially damaged and 123,807 houses totally damaged and 392,399 hectares of farmlands have been totally damaged.
Also, 3,219, 780 persons have been affected by the 2022 flooding, 1,427,370 persons internally displaced, 2,776 persons injured, while 612 people were killed.
Prior to the ongoing flooding crisis, cities across the country had recorded repeated structural failure with over 461 buildings collapsing between 1974 to July 2021, and more than 1,090 deaths, including billions of naira worth of properties lost to such disasters.
Out of the figures, Lagos as the busiest construction site accounted for the largest chunk. For instance, over 34 cases were recorded between January and September 2022 in the state according to statistics from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Speaking on the development, a past president of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Kenneth Nduka told The Guardian that the greatest enemy of any building is water.
He said during flooding, water penetrates the structure passing through the capillary elements of the structure whether wood/metal or concrete.
On the severity of damage to buildings, he explained: “If water passes through the wood, it will eventually rot because water dries out slower in building materials. The material composition of the wood structure will decompose and you can have rot, algae growth and strength of the wood structure is compromised.
“If water enters concrete, it absorbs it and compromises the bounding power. The same thing if water goes into the block work, it becomes wet and loses strength. Then, the chemical composition of the block or concrete will be affected. If it is reinforced concrete, water will be retained in it and encourage rust.
“Afterwards, the building can experience concrete cancer as the rot would manifest, start leaking and showing on the reinforcement. Once that occurs, the integrity of the structure is compromised.”
Nduka observed that efforts are always made to ensure that the foundation of buildings is anchored on firm ground but, he said when the water content of soil is overwhelming, the soil will move and stability of the foundation will be compromised, thereby affecting the structural integrity of the building.
He said: “Everything installed in a building, including tiles and paints will be affected because of water. When the flood goes down, there is what is called efflorescent; water coming out of the block concrete will create moles, which have been proven to be carcinogenic, with health implications that reduce the life span of the building.”
On the environmental impact of the flooding, he noted that most reptiles and animals look for where to hide for safety and there may be openings created by the movement of water, reptiles may move into the ceiling of buildings and multiply. He calls for fumigation of affected buildings to ensure that the environmental health of the structure said occupants is assured.
The former NIOB’s boss said to avert collapse, buildings that are above one-floor need structural integrity tests to ascertain fitness before accommodation.
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.