The Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, has called for urgent and coordinated measures to address flooding, poor waste management, and the growing effects of climate change on Nigeria's rapidly expanding urban centres.
The NIEE stressed that awareness campaigns alone would not solve the problem, insisting that strict enforcement of environmental regulations was necessary to change public behaviour.
The National Chairman of NIEE, Engr. Caius Ikem Umekesiobi, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day, themed "Climate Change" with the sub-theme, "Urbanization and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future."
Umekesiobi expressed concern over the increasing vulnerability of Nigerian cities to climate-related disasters, particularly flooding, which he said continues to threaten lives, destroy infrastructure, and undermine development efforts. He noted that poor waste management remains a major contributor to flooding across the country, especially in satellite communities where waste disposal systems are weak or non-existent.
According to him, while municipal authorities in major urban centres have relatively structured waste management frameworks, many local government areas have failed to effectively discharge their responsibilities, resulting in indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, waterways, and public spaces.
He said: "We have observed that waste management practices in many parts of our cities and communities are inadequate. Poor waste disposal continues to expose communities to environmental degradation and serious health hazards.
"There is no awareness campaign more effective than consistent enforcement of environmental laws. Government authorities must ensure that existing regulations are implemented and offenders held accountable."
Umekesiobi disclosed that the institution would intensify engagement with local governments to identify challenges affecting waste management and develop practical solutions to improve environmental conditions in communities.
As part of efforts to promote environmental responsibility, he announced plans by NIEE to organise community clean-up exercises across selected locations to demonstrate practical approaches to environmental restoration and flood prevention.
He explained that many flooding incidents are caused by blocked drainage channels resulting from human activities rather than the absence of drainage infrastructure.
He added: "Through these clean-up projects, residents will see firsthand that flooding is often caused by blocked and poorly maintained drainage systems. Once people experience the benefits of properly functioning drainage channels, they will better appreciate the importance of responsible waste disposal."
The NIEE chairman also emphasised the need for collaboration among engineers across all disciplines, describing environmental sustainability as a collective responsibility rather than the exclusive concern of environmental engineers.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NSE Maitama Branch, Engr. Thomas Itodo, described the theme of this year's celebration as timely and relevant, given the increasing environmental challenges confronting the country.
He called on Nigerians to become champions of environmental sustainability by ensuring that drains and waterways remain free from obstruction. According to him, environmental considerations must be incorporated into engineering designs through proper Environmental Impact Assessments to ensure that infrastructure can withstand climate-related challenges.
Itodo also commended the government's growing adoption of concrete pavement technology, saying such infrastructure, when properly designed, can contribute to improved stormwater management and reduce flooding on roads.
He said: "The standards we admire in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and China can also be achieved in Nigeria if citizens and stakeholders work together to promote environmental sustainability."
As part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration week, NIEE announced plans to conduct community awareness campaigns, tree-planting exercises, stakeholder engagement forums, and sustainable urban development projects aimed at enhancing urban resilience.
The institution also revealed that it is preparing a white paper titled "Low-Carbon Aggregates and Materials for Nigerian Infrastructure, A Roadmap for 2026–2030," which will provide recommendations for reducing carbon emissions associated with construction materials and infrastructure development.
National Assistant General Secretary of NIEE, Engr. Benjamin Onyekwelu Amalikolo, urged policymakers, community leaders, and citizens to support sustainable urbanization initiatives. He said collaboration among government agencies, engineering professionals, communities, and development partners would be critical to building cleaner, healthier, and more resilient cities capable of adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.
The NIEE reiterated its readiness to collaborate with engineering divisions, government agencies, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders on programmes and projects that promote sustainable development and environmental protection across Nigeria.
