Non-adherence to town planning procedures responsible for flooding- NITP

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has blamed environmental fraud and disregard for town planning procedures as the main culprits behind the devastating flood disasters in Nigeria.

The President of NITP, Nathaniel Atebije stated this on Monday during a media briefing as part of the ongoing week-long activities for the 55th national conference and Annual General Meeting of the Institute with the theme: “Of Flood And Fraud”, in Enugu.

Atebije highlighted the urgent need for proper planning and attitudinal changes to drive growth and development in the country.

He explained that the recent floods in Maiduguri, Borno State and other areas are a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental neglect. With millions affected, displaced and 34 out of 36 states impacted, the situation is dire.

Atebije emphasised that these disasters could have been prevented with effective compliance monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations.

He noted that Nigeria needs robust environmental policies and enforcement mechanisms to mitigate these challenges.

He noted that the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act empowers states and local governments to establish agencies and laws protecting the environment, adding that by prioritising sustainable development and accountability, Nigeria can reduce the risk of flood disasters and ensure a safer, more prosperous future for its citizens.

He said, “The most devastating in Nigeria today is environmental fraud, the illegal manipulation or misrepresentation of environmental data activities, either for financial gain or to avoid regulatory compliance.

“This includes falsifying environmental impact assessments, concealing pollution, engaging in illegal waste disposal, or misreporting emissions levels.”

The aim, he said was often to bypass environmental laws and regulations, reduce costs, or avoid penalties while causing harm to ecosystems and public health.

The institute president, further stressed that these acts were perpetrated by individuals, corporations, and even government agencies that failed to adhere to environmental standards.

Atebije posited that lack of physical planning or poorly regulated urbanisation was the fundamental environmental fraud in Nigeria.

“In many Nigerian settlements, developers bypass and abuse environmental laws through corrupt practices, neglect of physical planning and unchecked urban sprawl.

“Impunity, carelessness and recklessness in the location of developments lead to poorly planned urban expansion,” he said.

He added that corruption and lack of enforcement of zoning laws allow illegal structures to be built on floodplains and near riverbanks.

The institute president harped on the need for the government to make credible efforts to avert flooding in Nigeria through a multifaceted approach including engaging indigenous consultants, and enforcement of plans through the employment of planners.

“We reiterate that physical planning and development control are first among the requirements for averting flooding.

“Enforcement of building regulations, strict adherence to zoning and building codes should be enforced to prevent the construction of buildings on floodplains and areas prone to flooding,” he said.

He maintained that proper planning and adherence to lay down procedures could reduce environmental disasters in the country.

“Our appeal to governments and developers is to plan before embarking on any construction.

The NITP boss also stressed the need for relocation of vulnerable communities in flood-prone areas, while urged the government to implement the Watershed Management Practices through sustainable land use and afforestation to prevent excessive water runoff.

He insisted that there is a need to relocate people in high-risk flood zones particularly those living along river banks and coastal areas.

Atebije also urged the government to develop affordable housing schemes for people resettled from flood-prone areas to safer locations.

He noted that though the flood is seen as a natural disaster, environmental fraud plays an undeniable role in worsening its effects.

The NIT helmsman, however, warned that the illegal exploitation of the environment for short-term gains creates long-term vulnerabilities

“There is a need for relocation of people in flood-prone areas or high-risk flood zones, particularly along river banks and coastal areas. Government should develop affordable housing schemes for people resettled from flood-prone areas to safer locations

“Why flooding is seen as a natural disaster, environmental fraud plays an undeniable role in worsening its effects, the illegal exploitation of the environment for short-term gains, creates long-term vulnerabilities,” he stated.