The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has pointed out that recurring flooding in Nigeria is a result of fraud, where people deliberately ignore laws and order to engage in practices harmful to the environment. This revelation was made by the National President of the Institute, Nathaniel Atebije, during their Annual General Meeting in Enugu State.
Atebije emphasized that flooding is a consequence of an evil conspiracy and the neglect of physical planning principles, leading to devastating effects on the environment, displacing many people and impacting economic growth. He highlighted that corruption, lax enforcement of zoning laws, and illegal structures on floodplains worsen flood risks.
To combat this issue, Atebije stressed the importance of engaging qualified town planners, enforcing building regulations, and implementing policies to mitigate climate change effects. He also recommended improving infrastructure resilience, water management policies, and eco-friendly practices to minimize flood vulnerabilities.
Overall, the solution requires collaborative efforts among governments, communities, and international organizations to strengthen enforcement of environmental laws, promote sustainable development practices, and enhance flood prevention strategies for a safer and more resilient Nigeria.