Climate experts will gather on Aug. 11 to discuss rising flood risks, climate resilience and practical solutions as climate change worsens flooding across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Orodata Science will host the August edition of its Monthly X Spaces on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (WAT) on X, formerly Twitter.
The session carries the theme, “Beneath the Surface: Rising Waters, Flooding, Climate Change & The Way Forward.”
The data-driven organisation said the discussion comes as severe floods continue to affect Lagos and other parts of West Africa.
Climate change, rapid urban growth, shrinking wetlands and poor drainage have increased the impact of heavy rainfall.
Scientists say climate change has made heavy rainfall more frequent and more intense. Poor urban planning has also left more communities exposed to flood disasters.
According to Nigeria’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory face high flood risks.
The report lists coastal states, including Lagos, among the most vulnerable because of rising sea levels, tidal surges and intense rainfall.
In recent weeks, heavy rains flooded several Lagos communities. The floods disrupted transport, damaged homes and businesses, and exposed the growing risks facing Africa’s largest coastal city.
Environmental experts blamed recurring floods on climate change, blocked drainage channels, uncontrolled urban expansion and the destruction of wetlands that once absorbed excess stormwater.
The problem now stretches beyond Nigeria. In June 2026, floods hit Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution initiative found that human-induced climate change made the extreme rainfall about five times more likely and increased its intensity by about 23 per cent.
The African Development Bank warned that a developing “super” El Niño could cost African economies between $10 billion and $20 billion.
The bank said the weather event could reduce GDP in the hardest-hit countries by up to two per cent through damage to infrastructure, agriculture, water systems and livelihoods.
Climate experts also warned that repeated flooding now causes displacement, loss of livelihoods, food insecurity and mental health challenges, especially in vulnerable coastal communities.
She Orodata X Spaces will feature Dr. Archibong Akpan, Climate Policy Expert with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Lecturer in Climatology at the University of Uyo.
Olamide Martins, Associate Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), will also speak.
Benedicta Elikor of Orodata Science will moderate the session. Participants will examine the science behind rising flood risks, climate adaptation strategies for cities such as Lagos and the policy actions needed to protect vulnerable communities while supporting sustainable development.
Orodata Science said the Monthly X Spaces creates a platform for evidence-based discussions that connect science, public policy and civic engagement on key environmental and development issues.
Researchers, policymakers, environmental professionals, journalists, students, civil society organisations and members of the public are encouraged to join the conversation and share ideas on building climate-resilient communities across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
External Links
Nigeria 2026 Annual Flood Outlook: https://nihsa.gov.ng
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): https://unfccc.int
World Weather Attribution: https://www.worldweatherattribution.org
