The Federal Government, via the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), announced on Thursday that water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon has been released into the River Niger and River Benue in Nigeria’s North Central region.
The Agency urged residents living in flood-prone areas to evacuate to safer locations in anticipation of potential flooding, which typically follows the release of water from the Lagdo Dam.
NIHSA Director General Umar Mohammed made this statement during his appearance on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief* breakfast program.
He explained that his agency coordinated with Cameroonian authorities to release water from the Lagdo Dam “intermittently” to help manage the volume in the River Benue and River Niger, thereby mitigating flood risks in 11 vulnerable states.
“The situation is that water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam is being released already since yesterday (Wednesday) and there is an agreement that the water should be released in phases,” said Mohammed, who was represented on the programme by the Agency’s Director of Operations and Hydrology, Femi Bejide.
Read Also: BREAKING: Private Employers Paying Below N70,000 Minimum Wage Risk Jail – FG
On Tuesday, the Federal Government warned Nigerians about the impending release of water from the Lagdo Dam by Cameroonian authorities.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) identified several states at risk of flooding, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
NIHSA Director General Umar Mohammed noted that, for now, there is calm and normalcy, with water levels being regulated from the Lagdo Dam, although currents are beginning to rise.
He emphasized that all Nigerians have a role to play in preventing flooding, as previous releases of water from the Lagdo Dam have led to recurring flood issues in the country.
“Everybody has their part to play; as the Federal Government is doing its part, our agency is doing its part, NEMA is prepared, individuals should also have to do their part. They have to move from the flood plain.
“Houses also, their drainages, they have to clean and clear their drainages. Water will find its way so the waterways should be cleared, the drainages should be cleared to allow water to move. That is the responsibility of everybody.
“Look at your house, if your house is at the flood plane, please move please move from the flood plane, it is an appeal,” the NIHSA boss stated.
Read Also: BREAKING: NiMet List States That Should Prepare For Flooding In Coming Days
Mohammed reported that a recommendation has been submitted to the Presidency regarding the necessary de-silting of some dams in Nigeria.
The release of water from the Lagdo Dam follows a recent tragedy where overflowing from the Alau Dam resulted in over 30 fatalities and the destruction of thousands of homes in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
In 2022, severe flooding impacted many states, resulting in 665 deaths, displacing 2,437,411 individuals, and affecting a total of 4,476,867 people, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
In 2023, floods affected 159,157 people, leading to 28 deaths and displacing 48,168. The release of water from the Lagdo Dam was a contributing factor to some of these flooding incidents.
For 2024, NEMA reported that flooding has affected 1,048,312 individuals from April to September, resulting in 625,239 displacements and 259 fatalities.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
