Fury of Nature or the Failure of Governance: Interrogating the Politics of Flood Prevention and Management in Nigeria, 2010-2018

Abstract

Flood emergencies/disasters occur within the context of geo-political spaces, thereby requiring political/bureaucratic actions for effective management. Failure to act has resulted however, in fatal consequences. Nigeria presents a veritable platform for this analysis as the country has had its own fair share of flood emergencies. Flood management, despite being tailored after Nigeria’s federal political structure, having three levels of government has been halted by political intricacies within the country’s policy environment. This article interrogates the politics of flood prevention/management in Nigeria between 2010 and 2018. Although notable works have made similar attempts, none (in Nigeria) has viewed the subject through the lenses of politics, thereby making this work expedient. The qualitative research approach was adopted, while data were obtained through primary and secondary sources. Interviews were conducted with top officials of federal, state and local government agencies saddled with flood management. Publications in form of journal articles, textbooks, government publications/gazettes were also reviewed. Data obtained were analyzed with the use of the historical and descriptive methods. It was found-out, among other things that, flood emergencies/disasters in Nigeria (during the period in view), were caused by both natural factors and political/bureaucratic laxity. The article concludes that if Nigeria wishes to attain the lofty heights of national development and be ranked among the top economies of the world in no distant time, then, the country must mitigate the socio-political and economic consequences of flood disaster and save the heavy cost of rebuilding infrastructures occasioned by flood emergencies.