The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has announced that water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has been released into the River Niger and River Benue in Nigeria’s North Central region. NIHSA has urged residents living in flood-prone areas to relocate immediately to safer locations in anticipation of potential floods resulting from the release.
NIHSA Director General, Umar Mohammed, delivered this warning during a broadcast on Thursday, stating that the agency had coordinated with Cameroonian authorities to release the water from the Lagdo Dam in stages to minimize the risk of flooding across 11 vulnerable states in Nigeria. These states include Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
Represented by the Director of Operations and Hydrology, Femi Bejide, Mohammed explained that water release from the dam began on Wednesday, with measures in place to regulate the flow and prevent major flooding. Despite this, he emphasized that all Nigerians, especially those in floodplains, must act responsibly by relocating and ensuring their surroundings, including drainages, are clear of blockages to allow water to flow freely.
He added that the Federal Government, NIHSA, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are all prepared, but individuals must also contribute by taking preventive measures to avoid flooding. Mohammed stressed the importance of personal responsibility, particularly for those living in high-risk areas.
The release of water from the Lagdo Dam follows recent flooding from the Alau Dam, which claimed over 30 lives and destroyed thousands of homes in Maiduguri, Borno State. In 2022, floods devastated several states in Nigeria, causing 665 deaths and displace millions. So far in 2024, floods have affected over 1 million people, displaced 625,239, and resulted in 259 fatalities, according to NEMA.
Mohammed also noted that NIHSA has submitted a report to the Presidency on long-term solutions, including the need to de-silt some of Nigeria’s dams to better manage water flow.
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