By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

An Environmental Rights Advocacy Organization, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), has decried the recent ’penings of dams by neighboring countries which poses a serious flooding threats to Nigeria’s coastal states. In a press release dated 8th July, 2025, and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD argues that dam opening, as well as the persistent climate change crisis, is an “alarming situation” that requires immediate coordinated interventions. The press release reads in part:

“The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) an Environmental Rights Advocacy Organization expresses deep concern over the recent and ongoing release of water from major dams by neighbouring African countries, which poses a serious flooding threat to Nigeria’s coastal and low-lying states. This alarming situation, coupled with the increasing impacts of climate change, calls for immediate coordinated action from both federal and state governments, as well as local communities.”

FENRAD noted that climate change and flooding have been baffling issues affecting most Nigerian coastal states over time.

“In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed devastating floods resulting from dam discharges, poor drainage infrastructure, and extreme weather patterns driven by climate change. These floods have displaced thousands, destroyed farmlands, and disrupted livelihoods, especially in states like Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and parts of the South East and South West regions. FENRAD warns that unless adequate preparedness measures are urgently put in place, this year’s flooding could be even more catastrophic.”

The rights group is calling for a swift intervention by environmental agencies and the government to contain the impacts of climate change.

Their words:

“FENRAD also ceases this medium to call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Agencies, and all relevant government institutions to activate early warning systems, intensify public sensitization, and implement disaster preparedness plans. Communities at risk must be engaged and supported with evacuation plans and flood mitigation strategies. Additionally, we urge regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries to ensure coordinated dam management practices that minimize downstream impacts.

“Finally, FENRAD appeals to the Federal and State governments to prioritize long-term climate adaptation measures, including the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam, improvement of Nigeria’s drainage infrastructure, and the mainstreaming of climate resilience into development planning. Climate change is real and its impacts are no longer distant threats—they are crises unfolding before our eyes,” they added.