NEMA urges tougher environmental control to curb flooding in South‑South

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on governments and residents in the South‑South to tighten environmental laws and enforcement with the aim of mitigating the negative impacts of flooding.

The call comes against the backdrop of recent flooding, which displaced residents and negatively impacted trading in parts of the extended Port Harcourt metropolis.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in its 2026 flood alert, included Rivers among the country’s flood-prone states and warned that the state faces a high risk of flooding.

Eric Ebhodaghe, NEMA’s Xonal Coordinator, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, described tightening environmental controls as part of measures for mitigating the harsh impact of flooding.

He said citizens must clean their drainages to allow the free flow of stormwater during rainfall.

Ebhodaghe said, “If you block the waterways, water will find its own level. I don’t see any reason why a sane Nigerian would decide to block a waterway with debris, thereby putting others and themselves in danger.”

“But we have always warned that one of the ways you can manage flooding, especially urban flooding within the metropolis, is to have a good waste-management system.

“Not just that; it’s also important to improve the capacity of the drainages you have. Either you expand them or create new ones,” he said.

Ebhodaghe warned about property developers erecting buildings without regard for environmental laws, adding, “Again, those persons who are building on waterways — I expect those structures by now to have been removed from such positions.”

He said governments in the region should consider relocating residents from flood-prone areas to higher ground.

Ebhodaghe urged governments and relevant agencies to enforce laws against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways.

He said, “I’m particular about the authorities concerned. I think those authorities should begin to enforce this — local and state government authorities charged with managing waste in waterways must ensure the public doesn’t misuse those places.

“If they find anyone at fault, they should deal with the person and let the law take its course. I think such strong laws and enforcement may deter others from doing this.

“Also, if you are living somewhere and you feel the water is a threat, you are advised to relocate to safer ground, depending on where the water is not a threat,” he said.