Flood Alert: GOMEP-NG Warns Nigerians as Blocked Drains Raise Risk

Blocked drains could put homes, businesses and lives at risk. GOMEP-NG is urging Nigerians to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels before preventable flooding devastates their communities.

GOMEP-NG has warned Nigerians against dumping refuse in public drainage channels, urging residents and government authorities to take collective action to prevent flooding and protect lives and property.

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria warns that indiscriminate refuse disposal could worsen flooding, destroy property and endanger lives, urging residents and authorities to take urgent action.

ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has raised concerns over the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in public drainage channels, warning that the practice could worsen flooding and expose communities to preventable environmental hazards.

The media guild called on Nigerians to stop using drainage systems as dumping grounds, stressing that keeping waterways clear is essential to protecting lives, safeguarding property and preventing avoidable flooding during the rainy season.

The warning was contained in a joint communique signed by GOMEP-NG National President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, and National Secretary, Prince Clinton Uba. The organisation’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Tochukwu Eluwa, announced the communique.

GOMEP-NG Warns Against Blocked Drainage Channels

The organisation observed that the accumulation of refuse in public drainage channels obstructs the free flow of rainwater, increasing the risk of flooding, property destruction, displacement of residents and disruption of economic activities.

According to the guild, indiscriminate waste disposal remains a preventable environmental problem that requires urgent attention from individuals, communities and government authorities.

Otiti, while addressing the issue, called for an end to the practice, emphasising that residents must recognise their role in preventing environmental disasters.

“We must, by every possible means, put an end to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in our public drainage systems.

“We cannot continue to block the same channels through which rainwater is expected to flow and then act surprised when our streets and homes are submerged. Preventing avoidable flooding begins with individual responsibility.

“Every resident must understand that keeping our drains clear is not merely a sanitation duty; it is a commitment to protecting human lives, property and the future of our communities,” he said.

Government, Residents Urged to Take Responsibility

GOMEP-NG stressed that the responsibility for preventing flooding should not be left entirely to government, noting that residents also have a crucial role to play in maintaining clean surroundings and disposing of waste appropriately.

The guild urged federal, state and local government authorities, environmental agencies and sanitation departments to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, enforce existing environmental regulations and ensure the regular clearing of blocked drainage channels.

It also called on community leaders, market associations, landlords, traders and youth groups to mobilise residents against indiscriminate refuse disposal and other practices that threaten environmental safety.

According to the organisation, the consequences of improper waste disposal extend beyond individual households, affecting entire neighbourhoods and placing additional pressure on public infrastructure and emergency response services.

GOMEP-NG Calls for Collective Action Against Flooding

The guild maintained that meaningful progress in flood prevention would require a change in public attitudes towards environmental sanitation.

It warned that the consequences of negligence could be far more devastating than the effort required to dispose of refuse properly and maintain clean drainage systems.

GOMEP-NG therefore urged Nigerians to regard environmental sanitation as a shared civic responsibility, emphasising that preventive action must begin before flooding occurs.

“The fight against flooding must begin before the waters rise, not after lives and property have been lost,” the organisation stated.

The guild reaffirmed its commitment to using online media to promote public awareness, responsible citizenship and environmental protection.

It called on Nigerians to support practical measures aimed at reducing the risk of avoidable flooding, urging individuals, community groups and government institutions to work together towards cleaner and safer communities across the country.