The recent devastating floods in Nigeria, specifically in Mokwa, Niger State, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resilience-building and community support in the face of worsening climate impacts. With over 151 lives lost and more than 3,000 displaced, the catastrophe underscores how extreme weather events, driven by climate change, continue to threaten vulnerable populations. 

The devastating Mokwa floods reportedly began on Wednesday, May 28 and continued into Thursday, May 29, following torrential rainfall. Some reports indicated that the heavy rains started early Thursday morning. Nonetheless, the effects and rescue operations have been ongoing since then.

Flooding is a recurring disaster in Nigeria, affecting thousands of people each year. In 2024 alone, over 1,200 people died, and 1.2 million were displaced across 31 states. The economic toll is devastating, amounting to billions of naira in damages annually, as homes, businesses, and key infrastructure suffer widespread destruction. 

Northern Nigeria is particularly susceptible to climate extremes, experiencing prolonged dry spells followed by intense rainfall that leads to destructive flooding. The recent disaster in Mokwa has left entire households waist-deep in water, homes destroyed, and a critical regional market severely damaged—disrupting food supply chains and commerce.

As communities mourn their losses and search for missing loved ones, the path forward must focus on strengthening resilience and fostering sustainable recovery efforts. 

Urgent steps to support affected communities 
President Bola Tinubu has activated the national emergency response, providing immediate relief and assistance to those affected. However, long-term solutions require a multi-faceted approach. The approach should include the strengthening of early warning systems by Investing in advanced forecasting and alert mechanisms to provide timely warnings and enable swift evacuations. Closely related to that is the improvement of infrastructure. Developing climate-resilient housing and drainage systems to mitigate flood impacts in vulnerable areas. This includes exploring options such as elevated structures, permeable pavements, improved local drainage channels cleared of debris, and nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetlands or creating urban green spaces to absorb excess water. 

A step in the right direction should be community-led disaster response. Empowering local communities with training and resources to effectively respond to emergencies. Similarly, the nation should focus on environmental conservation efforts. Tackling deforestation and promoting sustainable land use to reduce the risk of flooding. Additionally, implementing effective waste management systems to prevent the clogging of urban drainage by refuse is crucial, especially in densely populated urban and semi-urban areas prone to flash floods, which are exacerbated by blocked waterways. 

It is equally important to have continued government and international support by coordinating efforts between national agencies, humanitarian organisations, and global partners to provide funding and expertise for rebuilding efforts. 

Additionally, a regional cooperation approach should be considered. Recognising the importance of transboundary water management or climate adaptation strategies with neighbouring countries, especially if relevant to specific river basins (like the Niger River itself) that contribute to flooding. This could involve data sharing, joint infrastructure projects, or coordinated early warning systems, acknowledging that water bodies and climate impacts don’t adhere to national borders. 

Flooding and the economic toll 
Flooding has devastating effects on Nigeria’s economy, particularly in agriculture, which accounts for about 30 per cent of the country’s GDP. Over 70 million hectares of land are used for farming, producing staple crops like maize, cassava, rice, and yams. However, extreme flooding has led to widespread destruction of farmlands, severely impacting food production and livelihoods. 

For instance, the 2022 Nigeria floods were particularly catastrophic. A World Bank Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE) assessment, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian government, estimated the total direct economic damages from these floods to be between $US3.79 billion and $9.12 billion, with a median estimate of $6.68 billion. 

These figures cover damages to residential and non-residential buildings, infrastructure, and productive sectors, including vital croplands. The floods resulted in the loss of over 100,000 hectares of farmland in Benue State alone—Nigeria’s food basket. Farmers reported losses exceeding ₦495 million in rice plantations, with entire fields wiped out. The AFEX commodities exchange estimated that flooding and other factors would reduce maize output by 12 per cent and rice production by 21 per cent year-on-year following such events. 

Beyond agriculture, flooding disrupts essential services and economic activities. A National Bureau of Statistics report found that 64 per cent of households were affected by the 2022 floods, leading to substantial income losses and worsening food insecurity for the over 4.9 million people impacted. Recovery rates remain low, highlighting the need for long-term flood mitigation strategies. 

More hands on the deck 
As Nigeria faces repeated climate disasters, prioritising long-term resilience strategies is no longer optional. It is a necessity. The affected communities need both immediate aid and sustainable solutions that prevent future tragedies. While the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched preparedness campaigns to mitigate flood risks and improve early warning systems, a more comprehensive and deeply embedded national strategy is essential. 

Aligning with this, Nigeria’s national climate commitments, such as its 2021 updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), provide a framework. 

The 2021 NDC, for instance, sets an unconditional emissions reduction target of 20 per cent and a conditional target of 47 per cent by 2030 while highlighting the critical need for adaptation in sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and disaster risk management. The LT-LEDS further outlines a pathway to a net-zero economy by 2060, emphasising climate resilience. Effective implementation and investment in these national strategies are crucial. 

As Nigeria is currently in the process of revising its NDC for the 3.0 submission, there is a significant opportunity to further elevate ambition and specificity. The NDC 3.0 should incorporate more robust and detailed adaptation measures, particularly for managing flood risks and building resilience in the agricultural sector. This includes setting clear, actionable targets for climate-smart agriculture, integrated water resource management, and the expansion of nature-based solutions. 

Furthermore, strengthening mechanisms for climate finance mobilization, enhancing monitoring and verification systems, and ensuring an inclusive, economy-wide approach will be paramount for the success of future climate action. 

Scientists warn that climate change is fuelling more extreme weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe floods. Supporting affected communities today will shape a more resilient tomorrow. By fostering collaboration among governments, local stakeholders, environmental experts, and international partners, including regional bodies, Nigeria can strengthen its defences against climate threats and safeguard its people from recurring devastation. 

Mokwa’s flooding crisis should prompt decisive action, not just in emergency response but also in preventative measures that ensure communities are better prepared for future challenges. Now is the time for Nigeria to step up and build lasting resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. 

Dr Eugene O. Itua is the Executive Director of the African Economy and Sustainability Institute & Regional Coordinator at West Africa Capitals Coalition