By The Qualitative Magazine – July 29, 2025
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has condemned what it describes as “gross institutional failure and lack of political will” by both the Plateau State Government and federal authorities in the wake of the recent catastrophic flooding that engulfed communities in Jos, Plateau State.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Tuesday, FENRAD expressed deep concern over the avoidable tragedy, which has claimed lives, destroyed properties, and displaced hundreds of families. The group said the scale of devastation witnessed in the affected communities is not just the result of a natural disaster but the consequence of years of systemic neglect, weak environmental governance, and failure to act on scientific warnings.
“Flooding in Nigeria has unfortunately become a seasonal curse, but what’s more tragic is our refusal to learn from past disasters,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD. “The calamity in Jos is yet another painful reminder that governance in Nigeria continues to ignore early warnings, environmental planning, and the lives of the most vulnerable.”
Warnings Ignored, Lives Lost
According to FENRAD, both the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued early warnings earlier in 2025, forecasting high flood risks in various regions, including Plateau State. Yet, despite these scientific alerts, little to no action was taken by relevant authorities to mitigate potential impacts or alert residents in flood-prone areas.
FENRAD noted that the tragic outcome could have been averted—or at least minimized—if proactive steps had been taken. The group cited the absence of coordinated early warning systems, poor drainage infrastructure, blocked water channels, and illegal developments on flood plains as key factors that compounded the disaster.
“These deaths were not just unfortunate; they were preventable,” the statement read. “We cannot keep calling these disasters ‘natural’ when in fact they are man-made through inaction, poor planning, and outright negligence.”
A Call to Action
FENRAD has now issued a set of urgent demands to both state and federal governments, aimed at preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
Among the recommendations are:
- The establishment of a functional early warning and rapid response system that involves both national agencies and local communities;
- The strict enforcement of urban and environmental regulations, especially in areas marked as flood-prone;
- Investment in sustainable drainage and infrastructure capable of handling excess rainfall and runoff;
- Long-term climate adaptation strategies, including ecological restoration, risk mapping, and public education campaigns.
The organization also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian bodies to expedite relief and recovery efforts while ensuring transparency and equity in aid distribution.
The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Governance
FENRAD emphasized that the flooding in Jos is not an isolated incident but part of a larger crisis tied to climate change, rapid urbanization, and governance failures. The group stressed that until Nigeria begins to treat climate-related disasters as national security and development threats, similar tragedies will continue to claim innocent lives and devastate communities.
“We need to move beyond issuing condolences and embrace actionable leadership,” said Comrade Nwafor. “Environmental rights are human rights. Every Nigerian deserves to live in a safe and sustainable environment. It is time the government starts acting like that matters.”
Standing With the Victims
In conclusion, FENRAD extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to continue its advocacy for environmental justice and sustainable development across Nigeria.
As the rains continue in many parts of the country, the question remains: will Nigeria finally rise to the occasion and take early warning seriously—or will this be just another chapter in a long history of preventable disasters?
