The federal government has disclosed it is in constant communication with Cameroonian authorities and that no water has been released from Lagdo Dam.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lagdo Dam was built to supply electricity to the northern part of Cameroon and to allow the irrigation of 15,000 hectares of crops downstream.
However, the release of water from the reservoir had caused severe flood disasters in Nigeria in the past, especially made worse by the absence of dams in the country to contain water released from the Lagdo Dam.
Reacting to recent rumours circulating on social media to douse flood scare, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation affirmed that the Cameroonian authorities have not released water from the Lagdo Dam.
According to a statement released by Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Minister, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, on 7th July 2025, had direct communication with the Lagdo Dam Manager, Mr. Ahmad Bivoung.
According to the statement, Mr. Bivoung confirmed that the dam is currently at a low level of 2.06 meters and no water has been released.
“The Ministry is currently maintaining constant communication with Cameroonian authorities and assures the public that any official release of water will be promptly communicated.
“The Minister urged the public to disregard false reports and remain calm, while continuing to observe flood safety and preparedness measures earlier issued.
“Prof. Utsev also advised communities receiving early warning signals particularly in Lokoja (Kogi State), Wurobokki (Adamawa State), and Makurdi (Benue State) to maintain early warning signals and consult the NIHSA Flood Dashboard for reliable, up-to-date information.
“The Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to flood management and water infrastructure development along the Benue Trough includes; the proactive reservoir operations of existing dams on the tributaries of River Benue to prevent panic releases, the completion of the study and design for Datsin Hausa dam in Adamawa State and engagement of a Transaction Adviser to facilitate its construction under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“In addition, the Kashimbila Dam in Taraba State is being utilized for flood control, while the upgrade of the Wannune Dam and the study and design of the Dura Dam in Benue State have reached an advanced stage,” the statement reads.