Climate and environmental specialist, Sam Caulcrick, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s flood management approach from reactive responses to long-term adaptation strategies, warning that recurring flood disasters will persist if structural solutions are not implemented.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Caulcrick said rising global temperatures and human interference with natural water channels are worsening flooding across the country.
According to him, “Global warming is increasing. It’s not abating. So, expect it to get worse.”
He explained that flooding is a natural physical process that has been disrupted by human development, especially through construction on natural water pathways.
“Water will always find its level, whether we like it or not.”
Caulcrick argued that Nigeria’s response should focus less on mitigation alone and more on adaptation, stressing the need for communities and planners to adjust to environmental realities.
“The best route to take would be adaptation.”
He proposed the creation of artificial lakes across local government areas as a cost-effective way of managing excess rainfall and preventing flooding in vulnerable communities.
According to him, “Each local government in Nigeria should have one.”
Caulcrick also blamed poor urban planning for worsening flood impacts, saying that development projects often ignore natural drainage systems and water channels.
“The town planners have been the main culprits… they don’t consider these things.”
He added that relocation of residents in high-risk areas remains the most immediate preventive measure, especially where flooding is already predictable.
“Just move them to higher ground.”
However, he acknowledged that relocation is often difficult due to social and cultural ties to ancestral communities, calling for government-backed incentives and temporary shelters.
Caulcrick stressed that effective flood management requires strong coordination among government agencies, emergency services, and local authorities.
“Definitely. For things to work, everybody has to cooperate. There must be a lot of synergy.”
He concluded by urging local governments to take urgent action ahead of the rainy season to prevent loss of lives in vulnerable areas.
By Ojo Triumph
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