Campaigner warns Nigerian regional leaders to brace for impending inundation in Niger Delta region

Sheriff Mulade, a prominent Niger Delta environmental rights activist and development advocate, is urging governors in the region to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of predicted flooding, as forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

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The warning comes as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued repeated alerts to states across the country about the risk of flooding during the peak rainy season, prompting Mulade to make a statement to journalists in Warri, Delta State, on Monday.

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Mulade, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, expressed deep concern over the neglect of citizens' welfare by political leaders, stating that many public office holders prioritize personal ambitions and political interests over their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

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The Niger Delta has experienced severe hardship due to recurring floods, with many families and communities still reeling from the historic 2012 floods and subsequent incidents, according to Mulade.

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He emphasized that the failure to implement sustainable flood prevention and disaster management measures has left vulnerable communities exposed to repeated environmental disasters.

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Mulade cautioned that without urgent collaborative interventions ahead of the anticipated flooding, the region could witness widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, infrastructure, and livelihoods as the peak heavy rainfall approaches.

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The environmental advocate appealed to governors across the Niger Delta to work collaboratively with federal agencies, emergency management organizations, local government authorities, and community stakeholders to develop and implement effective flood mitigation strategies.

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Mulade specifically called for immediate evacuation plans for flood-prone communities, desilting of waterways and drainage channels, strengthening emergency response mechanisms, provision of relief materials and healthcare services, as well as sustained public awareness campaigns to minimize the impact of flooding.

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Mulade stressed that proactive planning, intergovernmental collaboration, and a genuine commitment to citizens' welfare are the most effective ways to prevent another large-scale flood disaster in the Niger Delta.

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He emphasized that states such as Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers, which are historically among the worst affected by seasonal flooding, should take the lead in implementing preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.