Flood Prediction: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Communication Strategies of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency

In recent times, the stark realities of climate change have precipitated an unprecedented wave of natural disasters across the globe, with Bayelsa State of Nigeria having more than its fair share of this natural phenomenon. The scale of the 2022 flood which seemingly caught Bayelsa State unprepared, raises salient questions as to whether or not the agency saddled with the responsibility of observing Nigerian weather, climate and providing meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic services- NIMET is effectively playing its statutory role of risk communication to Nigerians living in flood prone areas. Using state-of-the-art technology, NIMET has the core mandate of observing, analysing and ensuring timely and accurate reporting of weather and climate for socio-economic development and safety of lives and property. However, this study also x-rays the extent to which the Bayelsa State Government proactively utilises generated data and information (if any); whether or not relevant government authorities regard or disregard forecasts, warnings and predictions provided. This study also critically examines the communication strategies deployed by NIMET. Anchored on the Agenda-setting theory, this study adopts a qualitative method in surveying and exploring the experiences of loud victims through in-depth interviews, with a view to bridging the communication gap between the disaster management agency and the Bayelsa people.