Abstract

Author:
Akor James Samuel, Agama Omachi, Onum Friday Okoh

Doi: 10.26480/egnes.01.2025.52.61

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Flooding remains a persistent and devastating environmental challenge in Nigeria, causing significant loss of life, displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of livelihoods. This paper explores strategic approaches to mitigating the impact of flooding through the lens of sustainable environmental management and community resilience. It highlights the underlying causes of recurrent flooding, including rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems, deforestation, and inadequate land-use planning. The study emphasizes the need for integrated flood management frameworks that incorporate environmental sustainability, early warning systems, climate adaptation strategies, and participatory community engagement. Special attention is given to the role of government policy, disaster preparedness, and investment in green infrastructure such as wetlands restoration and floodplain zoning. Additionally, the paper underscores the importance of empowering local communities with knowledge, resources, and adaptive capacities to withstand and recover from flood-related shocks. By promoting collaborative efforts between stakeholders governments, NGOs, researchers, and local residents Nigeria can enhance its capacity to manage flood risks effectively. The findings advocate for a proactive, multisectoral, and ecosystem-based approach to flood mitigation that balances human development needs with environmental protection. Ultimately, building flood-resilient communities is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability, reducing disaster vulnerability, and safeguarding the nation’s socio-economic development.