By Newspot Nigeria Editorial Desk
In the wake of the devastating floods that swept through parts of Jos, Plateau State, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has issued a scathing rebuke of the Nigerian government’s lack of preparedness and failure to act on early warning signals. The flooding, which has left several communities in ruins, claimed lives, destroyed homes, and displaced hundreds, has been described by the organization as a preventable disaster fueled by institutional neglect.
FENRAD, in a strongly worded press statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, extended condolences to victims and expressed solidarity with the affected families. The group emphasized that while flooding is a recurring seasonal threat across Nigeria, the recurring loss of life and livelihoods reflects “systemic negligence and poor environmental governance.”
The organization pointed fingers at both the Plateau State Government and federal agencies, including those responsible for disaster risk management, accusing them of inaction despite multiple flood warnings issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). It noted that these agencies had issued clear forecasts warning of heightened flood risks in 2025, yet “little was done to preempt or mitigate the impacts in vulnerable areas.”
Among the issues identified were blocked drainage systems, poor urban planning, and unregulated development along flood plains—all of which the group described as hallmarks of environmental mismanagement. FENRAD called for concrete steps by the Plateau State Government, including the establishment of an Early Warning and Rapid Response System, stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, investment in sustainable drainage infrastructure, and a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy.
Furthermore, the statement urged NEMA and other national actors to expedite relief efforts and begin a recovery program built around resilience and sustainability, rather than temporary fixes.
As the country continues to grapple with climate-induced disasters, FENRAD reiterated its commitment to environmental justice, sustainable development, and accountable governance, warning that inaction today will cost even more lives tomorrow.
The full press statement from FENRAD is reproduced below for public record and advocacy purposes.
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 29, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria
FENRAD Faults Government’s Lack of Commitment in Early Warning and Preparedness Amid Devastating Flooding in Jos, Plateau State
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an Environmental Advocacy organization, expresses deep concern over the recent catastrophic flooding that devastated several communities in Jos, Plateau State, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of families.
FENRAD extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all who have suffered losses as a result of the disaster. We stand in solidarity with affected communities and call for immediate humanitarian support and long-term sustainable solutions.
While flooding in parts of Nigeria has become a seasonal threat, what remains unacceptable is the persistent lack of preparedness and failure to act on early warning signals by relevant government agencies at both federal and state levels. The flooding in Jos is not merely a natural disaster but also a consequence of systemic negligence and poor environmental governance.
It is alarming that despite repeated alerts from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasting high flood risks in 2025, little was done to preempt or mitigate the impacts in vulnerable areas like Plateau State. The absence of coordinated early warning dissemination, poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and unregulated developments along flood plains are clear indicators of institutional failure.
FENRAD strongly faults the Plateau State Government and relevant federal agencies for their inertia and poor disaster risk management framework. The lack of political will to implement climate adaptation strategies and enforce environmental regulations has left many communities defenseless in the face of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
We call on the Plateau State Government to:
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Establish a functional Early Warning and Rapid Response System in collaboration with national agencies and community stakeholders.
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Review and enforce urban and environmental regulations, especially in flood-prone zones.
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Engage in sustainable drainage and infrastructure development to reduce flood risks.
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Invest in climate adaptation and resilience measures, including public awareness, ecological restoration, and community-based disaster preparedness.
We also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders to expedite relief efforts, ensure equitable distribution of aid, and begin long-term recovery planning that includes rebuilding with resilience.
FENRAD remains committed to advocating for environmental justice, sustainable development, and accountable governance. We will continue to monitor the situation and push for policy reforms that protect both people and the planet.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.fenrad.org.ng
📞 +234 (0) 8033383708, 07062949232
📝 This story was reported and published by Newspot Nigeria as part of our ongoing commitment to amplifying civic voices and promoting climate accountability.
