Environmental physicist Sakiru Okedeyi says stronger investment in atmospheric and environmental physics can significantly improve Nigeria’s ability to predict floods, manage climate risks, and protect lives and property.

Mr Okedeyi, the provost of the Postgraduate College at the Lagos State University of Education, said this in an interview in Lagos.

Mr Okedeyi said physics remained central to modern weather forecasting, disaster risk reduction and the development of early warning systems.

He said that physicists use advanced models to predict rainfall intensity, simulate river flows and identify communities vulnerable to flooding. According to him, the models also help forecast flood inundation areas and provide early warnings, enabling authorities to respond before disasters occur.

“Radar systems, satellite imagery, Geographic Information Systems and Earth observation technologies are critical tools for monitoring extreme weather events.

“The technologies track storms, rainfall patterns, soil moisture levels and flood-prone locations across the country.

“Coastal cities such as Lagos and other vulnerable communities can benefit significantly from improved monitoring and forecasting capabilities,’’ Mr Okedeyi said.

The expert identified climate change impact studies, flood and drought prediction, renewable energy resource assessment and carbon monitoring as priority areas for research.

He also called for increased investment in environmental sustainability and radiation studies to strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts.

According to him, current funding for atmospheric and environmental physics research falls short of what is required to address the country’s growing environmental challenges.

Mr Okedeyi said many universities and research institutions lacked advanced atmospheric observation and environmental monitoring equipment.

The expert noted that Nigeria’s challenge was not a lack of scientific expertise but insufficient investment, infrastructure and policy support.

He urged government, development partners and the private sector to strengthen support for climate and environmental research to improve disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of extreme weather events. 

(NAN)