BTvNEWS

Climate and Peacebuilding Reporters call for collective action on safe water, disease prevention, and climate resilience as NiMet forecasts flooding in 33 states from July–September 2026

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku
Abuja, Nigeria

BTvNEWS: ABUJA — As Nigeria’s 2026 rainy season reaches its peak, BTV Online TV, Radio and Publication: Climate and Peacebuilding Reporters (BTV-CPR) has issued an urgent national advisory warning that heavy rainfall, flooding, and the escalating impacts of climate change are threatening lives, public health, food security, and critical infrastructure across the country.

The advisory, signed by Comrade AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, CEO | Head of Communication, Research and Strategies, stresses that this is a time for preparedness, not panic.

According to forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), flooding is expected to intensify between July and September 2026, with 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory facing significant flood risk.

The advisory notes that many communities have already experienced prolonged rainfall, leaving soils saturated and drainage systems overwhelmed. Major urban centres including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Kano, alongside numerous flood-prone communities, remain highly vulnerable as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

In the advisory, BTV-CPR outlined practical steps for households to protect families and prevent disease outbreaks. Citizens are urged to drink only safe water by boiling, chlorinating, or purchasing properly sealed water from reputable producers, and to disinfect storage tanks after flooding.

With floods known to increase the spread of cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, leptospirosis, and skin infections, the organization emphasized proper hygiene, thorough cooking of food, and prompt medical attention for severe symptoms.

To curb mosquito-borne illnesses, the advisory recommends sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, draining stagnant water weekly, keeping gutters clean, and using approved repellents.

It also calls for preparedness ahead of possible power outages caused by damaged electricity infrastructure. Households are advised to stock rechargeable lamps, solar lights, power banks, essential medicines, cooking gas, dry food, emergency contacts, and important documents stored above flood level.

In the event of flooding, residents should switch off electricity safely, move to higher ground, avoid walking barefoot in floodwater, and follow official emergency instructions.

BTV-CPR further highlighted that environmental responsibility is the first line of defence against climate-related disasters. The advisory urges Nigerians to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse, protect drainage channels, plant trees, reduce plastic pollution, protect wetlands, encourage recycling, and support sustainable practices.

“A cleaner environment reduces flooding and protects public health,” the statement said.

In a National Call to Action, Comrade Adejumo-Ajeseku called on the Federal and State Governments, Local Government Councils, Ministries of Health and Environment, Emergency Management Agencies, healthcare workers, journalists, NGOs, CSOs, faith-based and traditional institutions, the private sector, youth and women’s groups, and every Nigerian citizen to work collectively.

The goal, he said, is to achieve flood preparedness, safe drinking water, environmental sanitation, disease prevention, climate adaptation, public health education, sustainable waste management, climate-smart communities, and community resilience.

The CEO warned that climate change is no longer a distant concern, as its impacts are already affecting homes, farms, schools, businesses, and health facilities nationwide. He argued that through coordinated action, Nigeria can reduce preventable deaths, minimize disaster risks, and build a greener, healthier, and more resilient nation.

“Preparedness is Protection. Healthy Communities Build a Strong Nation. Protect Nature. Protect Lives. Protect Nigeria,” he declared.

The advisory concludes with BTV-CPR’s commitment to responsible journalism and environmental stewardship.

“Together, through responsible journalism, environmental stewardship, and collective action, we can build a climate-resilient Nigeria where every citizen enjoys a healthier, safer, and greener future,” Comrade Adejumo-Ajeseku stated.

The statement was published in the public interest by BTV-CPR, powered by Golden Mirror Communications Limited | RC No: 1790311.

MEDIA CONTACT

Comrade AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku
CEO | Head of Communication, Research and Strategies
BTV Online TV, Radio and Publication: Climate and Peacebuilding Reporters (BTV-CPR)
Powered by Golden Mirror Communications Limited | RC No: 1790311
Email: btvnewsnigeria@gmail.com; goldenmirrorcommunicationsltd@gmail.com
Phone: 08057278252, 08082000298, 08186974277, 08065980566
Website: https://btvnews.online
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria