On Tuesday, the Federal Government alerted Nigerians about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. In a statement, Umar Muhammed, the Director General and CEO of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), announced that regulated water releases from the dam would begin on September 17.
The statement explained that water discharge is expected to gradually increase to 1000 cubic meters per second (m³/s) over the next seven days, depending on inflow from the upstream Garoua River. "The authorities of the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon have informed the agency that controlled water releases will start at a rate of 100 m³/s (8,640,000 m³/day) from September 17, 2023," the statement said.
It also noted that the gradual increase in water discharge is planned to avoid exceeding the capacity of the Benue River system, which could lead to significant flooding in downstream areas in Nigeria. Once there is a decrease in flow into the Lagdo reservoir, the overflow is expected to stop.
Despite the dam releases, NIHSA reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern. "Major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not expected, as the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits," Muhammed stated.
However, he urged all states along the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers, to remain vigilant and implement necessary preparedness measures to mitigate potential flooding risks.
The agency will continue to monitor water flow conditions in the transboundary Benue River and Nigeria’s inland rivers, providing regular updates to prevent further flood disasters.
