The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) don blame environmental fraud and disregard for town planning procedures as the main reasons why flooding dey happen for Nigeria.
The President of NITP, Nathaniel Atebije, talk dis during a media briefing on Monday, as part of the ongoing week-long activities for the 55th national conference and Annual General Meeting of the Institute, wey dey hold in Enugu with the theme: “Of Flood And Fraud”.
Atebije emphasize say proper planning and attitudinal changes dey necessary to drive growth and development for the country. He use the recent floods in Maiduguri, Borno State and other areas as example of the consequences of environmental neglect.
Millions of people don affect, displaced, and 34 out of 36 states don impact by the flood. Atebije say these disasters for fit prevent if dem dey monitor and enforce environmental regulations well.
He note say Nigeria need robust environmental policies and enforcement mechanisms to mitigate these challenges. He mention say the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act give states and local governments the power to establish agencies and laws to protect the environment.
Atebije talk say the most devastating thing for Nigeria today na environmental fraud, which include falsifying environmental impact assessments, concealing pollution, engaging in illegal waste disposal, or misreporting emissions levels. Dis acts dey perpetrated by individuals, corporations, and even government agencies wey no dey follow environmental standards.
He stress say lack of physical planning or poorly regulated urbanisation na the fundamental environmental fraud for Nigeria. Developers dey bypass and abuse environmental laws through corrupt practices, neglect of physical planning, and unchecked urban sprawl.
Atebije urge the government to make credible efforts to avert flooding through a multifaceted approach, including engaging indigenous consultants and enforcing plans through the employment of planners. He say enforcement of building regulations, strict adherence to zoning and building codes, and relocation of vulnerable communities in flood-prone areas are necessary steps.
He also advise the government to implement Watershed Management Practices through sustainable land use and afforestation to prevent excessive water runoff and develop affordable housing schemes for people resettled from flood-prone areas to safer locations.
