Nigeria Faces $4.6bn Economic Loss from 2022 Flooding, Says NiMet DG

• NiMet’s DG, Prof. Matazu, discloses the 2022 flooding in Nigeria caused an economic damage of $4.6 billion, according to a World Bank Survey
• Despite the impact on GDP, Matazu assures swift recovery, and the government initiates a committee for lasting flood solutions

Prof. Mansur Matazu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), revealed that the flooding in Nigeria in 2022 resulted in economic damage of $4.6 billion. Matazu shared this information during a high-level advocacy workshop on improving access to climate information services for national development and food security organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) in Abuja.

Matazu attributed the figure to a World Bank Survey commissioned by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, indicating a rapid assessment of the cost implications of the 2022 flood damage on livelihoods, farmlands, and infrastructure.

Despite the significant impact on the GDP, Matazu assured that the country is recovering swiftly. The government has initiated a presidential committee to devise lasting solutions for floods and explore ways to optimize floodwaters for agricultural improvement.

Highlighting NiMet’s commitment to align with the government’s policy for food security, sustainability, and accessibility, Matazu emphasized the agency’s efforts to provide climate-smart agricultural advisories and services through partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Describing climate change as a serious challenge in Nigeria, Matazu stressed the agency’s intention to collaborate with stakeholders to develop localized adaptation and mitigation measures for climate change, particularly through agricultural extension agents.

Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA, identified the lack of access to climate information services as a key factor contributing to farmers’ losses due to flooding. He underscored the role of climate information services in addressing food crises and insecurity, emphasizing the need for timely information to reach farmers during planning and planting seasons.

Arigbabu highlighted the importance of climate information in guiding farmers on crop choices and planting times, citing examples from the field. He urged increased access to climate information services as a crucial step in alleviating poverty, reducing hunger, and preventing losses in agricultural production.