The Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter, and CEO of Ndokwa Reporters, Mr. Enebeli Ochonogor Emmanuel, who also chairs the Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to mitigate flood erosion in Nigeria through advanced technology.
Speaking during an interview on News Central’s Morning News coinciding with the 2024 World Environmental Day celebration, the 60th Anniversary of the NIPR, Mr. Enebeli highlighted the critical role of early warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, as he advocated for the implementation of the early warnings from the Agency.
“Implementing the agency’s advice will go a long way in controlling the effects of flooding in coastal areas,” he asserted.
Mr. Enebeli underscored the significance of scientific predictions and early warnings in managing the impact of flooding on Nigerian coasts. He expressed concerns about the unchecked development of certain areas lacking Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
Pointing to the ongoing construction of the coastal road from Lagos to Calabar, he cautioned against neglecting such assessments, highlighting the potential for severe coastal flooding. “Utilizing early warning systems based on scientific prediction will aid in controlling the impact of flooding on Nigerian coasts,” he reiterated.
He urged urgent measures to tackle the erosion of Nigerian coastal areas, which face rapid deterioration due to frequent flooding. Mr. Enebeli proposed the construction of dams and dykes as effective strategies for controlling and rehabilitating coastal regions, citing the Netherlands as a successful model where such infrastructure has safeguarded and preserved coastal areas using what is called Delta Works, a series of construction projects that protect the country from the sea using dams, sluices, locks, dykes, and storm surge barriers.
Addressing the perennial flooding issues resulting from the release of water from dams in Cameroon, Mr. Enebeli criticized the delay in constructing already approved and designed dams in Nigeria. He insisted on the necessity of building these dams to mitigate the annual coastal flooding caused by Cameroonian actions.
He concluded by advocating for the immediate adoption of advanced practices, emphasizing that proactive measures are indispensable for protecting Nigeria’s coastal regions. His call to action resonates with the theme of the 2024 World Environment Day celebration: Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience, the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Theme: DIAMOND WALK FOR ECONOMIC Transformation and green Nigeria.
