LAGOS/Nigeria: Growing concerns over recurrent flooding in Nigeria and across parts of West Africa will take centre stage next week as climate experts, environmental advocates and policy stakeholders gather for a public discussion on the impact of climate change and strategies for building more resilient communities.
The discussion, organised by Orodata Science as part of its Monthly X Spaces series, is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (WAT). It comes amid increasing warnings from scientists and disaster management agencies that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and destructive across the region.
The forum, themed “Beneath the Surface: Rising Waters, Flooding, Climate Change & The Way Forward,” will examine the scientific factors driving rising flood risks, the challenges confronting rapidly expanding urban centres and the policy measures needed to reduce the impact of future disasters.
Flooding has become an annual challenge in many parts of Nigeria, with heavy rainfall in recent weeks inundating several communities in Lagos, disrupting transportation, damaging homes and businesses, and exposing weaknesses in urban drainage systems.
Scientists have linked the growing frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall to climate change, while environmental experts say rapid urbanisation, blocked drainage channels, poor land-use planning and the destruction of wetlands have increased the vulnerability of many communities to flood disasters.
Nigeria’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook identifies 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as facing high flood risks this year. Coastal states, including Lagos, remain among the most vulnerable because of rising sea levels, tidal surges and intense rainfall.
The flooding challenge extends beyond Nigeria. In June 2026, severe floods affected communities in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. According to the World Weather Attribution initiative, human-induced climate change made the extreme rainfall event about five times more likely and increased its intensity by approximately 23 per cent.
The African Development Bank has also warned that an emerging “super” El Niño could inflict economic losses of between $10 billion and $20 billion across Africa through damage to infrastructure, agriculture, water resources and livelihoods, with some countries projected to record GDP declines of up to two per cent.
Beyond the economic consequences, climate specialists have cautioned that recurrent flooding is contributing to displacement, food insecurity, loss of livelihoods and growing mental health concerns, particularly among vulnerable coastal populations.
The upcoming discussion will feature Dr. Archibong Akpan, a Climate Policy Expert with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and a Lecturer in Climatology at the University of Uyo, alongside Ogunlade Olamide Martins, Associate Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). The session will be moderated by Benedicta Elikor of Orodata Science.
According to the organisers, the discussion will focus on strengthening climate resilience through evidence-based policy, improved urban planning, sustainable environmental management and greater public awareness. The forum is expected to bring together researchers, policymakers, environmental professionals, journalists, civil society organisations, students and members of the public to examine practical responses to one of the region’s most persistent environmental challenges.
