The Anambra State Government has declared environmental degradation the state’s greatest existential threat and directed owners of residential, commercial and public buildings to construct stormwater catchment pits as part of measures to combat flooding and erosion.
A development that highlights the growing need for state governments across Nigeria to strengthen climate adaptation and flood management amid recurring flooding and erosion nationwide.
The directive comes as the government intensifies efforts to protect lives, infrastructure and the environment from the increasing impact of flooding, erosion and other climate-related challenges, with statewide enforcement expected after a grace period.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, announced the directive at the Idemili North Local Government Stakeholders’ Summit on Environment in Ogidi, where government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and environmental experts met to chart grassroots solutions to the state’s environmental challenges.
Aguiyi said the compulsory construction of catchment pits forms part of the state’s broader environmental protection and climate resilience strategy, explaining that the structures would retain stormwater within individual premises, reduce pressure on drainage systems and minimise flooding during heavy rainfall.
He urged property owners to utilise the grace period to comply, warning that defaulters would face sanctions under the state’s environmental laws.
The commissioner described Anambra’s environmental situation as an emergency requiring urgent collective action. He noted that virtually every community in the state has active erosion sites, while recent flooding has destroyed homes, displaced families and damaged infrastructure.
He warned that unless decisive action is sustained, erosion and other environmental hazards would continue to threaten the state’s landmass, livelihoods and economic development.
Aguiyi attributed the worsening environmental crisis to indiscriminate waste disposal, blocked drainage channels, deforestation and poor land-use practices.
He announced that the Ministry of Environment would intensify enforcement of environmental laws, establish Town Union Environmental Committees in all local government areas, distribute copies of environmental regulations to community leaders and local government authorities, and mobilise religious institutions, traditional rulers, women and youth groups to promote environmental sustainability through tree planting, public enlightenment and community monitoring.
The Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, said the summit became necessary because environmental degradation had emerged as one of the biggest threats confronting the densely populated council area.
He noted that while the local government had made significant progress in improving security through collaboration with the state government, flooding, erosion and poor waste management now required urgent and coordinated action.
Speaking at the summit, Mr. Ochokwu Uzochukwu, an engineer from Abatete Community, disclosed that Idemili North Local Government would commence digital mapping of communities using Google Maps and geospatial technology from September.
He said the digital mapping project would enhance environmental monitoring, disaster risk management, emergency response and security coordination, beginning with Nkpor, Ogidi, Abatete, Ideani and Uke before extending to all communities in the council area.
Also speaking, Okoye Chinwe, Public Relations Officer of the United Nigeria Chaplaincy, urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drainage channels and waterways, particularly during rainfall.
She also called on the government to ensure landlords provide toilet facilities in residential buildings to improve sanitation and reduce environmental pollution.
The Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr Nkem Okeke, said poor environmental management has direct implications for public health, noting that environmental degradation contributes to disease outbreaks and poor health outcomes.
He urged residents and community leaders to implement the summit’s resolutions to promote a healthier environment and improve public health.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, stakeholders resolved to support the compulsory installation of storm water management systems in buildings, regular desilting and rehabilitation of drainage channels, restoration of natural waterways, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, improved waste management, mapping of flood and erosion hotspots, and stronger collaboration among government, traditional institutions and communities to strengthen climate resilience and environmental sustainability across Anambra State.
