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Tag: Flooding

  • FG raises alarm Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, 30 other States at high risk of flooding [SEE FULL LIST]

    FG raises alarm Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa, 30 other States at high risk of flooding [SEE FULL LIST]

    The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 33 states and the FCT fall within the high flood-risk areas in 2025.

    The warning was issued during the official presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, in Abuja.

    According to the forecast, an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs across 31 states and the FCT are expected to experience moderate flood risk this year.

    States identified in the high-risk category include: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the FCT, Gombe and Imo.

    Others are; Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

    Utsev noted that floods are among the most devastating natural disasters affecting lives, property, agriculture, and infrastructure.

    He said the 2025 forecast is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging preparedness among citizens, particularly in vulnerable communities.

    He said this year’s theme on community preparedness and adaptation is timely, given the recurring floods and their impact on livelihoods and infrastructure.

    The minister explained that the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook has been segmented into three parts to enhance flood preparedness.

    These include a general flood forecast, a communication strategy for effective warning dissemination, and a mitigation plan to reduce exposure and vulnerability.

    “According to the forecast, 657 communities in 52 LGAs are expected to experience high flood risk between April and June.

    “544 communities in 142 LGAs between July and September; and 484 communities in 56 LGAs from October to November.

    “Moderate flood risk is projected for 445 communities in 116 LGAs from April to June, 1,458 communities in 271 LGAs from July to September, and 1,473 communities in 171 LGAs between October and November,” he added.

    He said flash and urban flooding are expected in major cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi, largely due to poor drainage and weak infrastructure.

    According to him, coastal states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo may also experience flooding caused by rising sea levels and tidal surges, posing a threat to livelihoods and river-based activities.

    Utsev announced initiatives such as a National Flood Insurance Programme, to be piloted in Kogi and Jigawa states, and the Niger Flood Project to boost river navigation, flood control, and climate resilience.

    He highlighted plans to launch an Integrated Climate Resilience Project and the forthcoming Annual Drought Outlook.

    Utsev urged stakeholders to support government efforts in building flood-resilient communities and affirming the Federal Government’s commitment to proactive flood management.

    Earlier, the NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed emphasised the agency’s commitment to using advanced technologies and fostering inter-agency collaboration to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts.

    Mohammed explained that this year’s forecast adopts a more community-focused approach, extending beyond local government areas to identify specific at-risk communities.

    “Our aim is to equip decision-makers with actionable information to protect lives, livelihoods, and property,” he stated.

    He added that the outlook identifies flood-prone states, local government areas, and communities, while also assessing impacts on sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, transport, and water quality.

    According to Mohammed, the goal is to strengthen community resilience and support proactive flood management strategies across the country.

    Key highlights of the event included the formal presentation of the NIHSA Flood and Drought Dashboard and the unveiling of the National Flood Insurance Programme.

    Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the World Meteorological Agency, the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna, and others.

  • See list of 94 towns at risk of five-day flooding, FG warns

    See list of 94 towns at risk of five-day flooding, FG warns

    The Federal Government has predicted that 94 towns are at risk of a five-day flooding beginning Tuesday, July 16, and ending on July 20, 2024.

    The Minister of State of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, on Tuesday noted that the identified locations and their environs would likely witness heavy rainfall that may lead to flood within the prediction period.

    He listed the concerned states as Adamawa State (Gbajili, Ganye); Abia State (Eziama, Arochukwu); Anambra State (Onitsha); Akwa Ibom (Uyo, Upenekang, Oron, Edor, Eket, Obianga, Etinan); Bauchi State (Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi); Bayelsa State (Letugbene); Borno State (Maiduguri); Cross River State (Ikom, Calabar, Itigidi, Akpap); Nasarawa State (Udeni, Tunga); and the Federal Capital Territory (Abaji, Bwari).
    Other are Jigawa State (Miga, Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia); Kano State (Gezawa, Gwarzo, Kano, Karaye, Wudil, Sumaila); Kebbi State (Gwandu, Jega, Kangiwa, Gauri-Banza, Ribah, Sakaba, Saminaka, Kamba, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Argungu, Bagudo); Katsina State (Bindawa, Jibia, Kaita, Katsina, Daura, Funtua); Kwara State (Kosubosu); Niger State (Ibi, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Minna, New Bussa, Katcha, Rijau, Wushishi); Plateau State (Jos, Mangu); Rivers State (Port-Harcourt, Onne, Okrika, Bori); Sokoto State (Makira, Goronyo, Isa, Silame, Sokoto, Wamako); Taraba State (Gembu, Beli, Garkowa, Gasol, Serti, Donga, Duchi, Gwarzo, Gun gun Bodel); Yobe State (Gashua, Gasma, Damaturu, Geidam, Kanama); and Zamfara State (Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, Bukkuyum, Majara, Gummi).

    Salako, however, urged stakeholders in the country to mitigate the flooding.

    On whether the Cameroonian government had notified the ministry of when it would open floodgates of the Lagdo Dam, the minister stated that it was the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation that manages dams.

    “If there’s going to be any issue around the Lagdo Dam, they will inform the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, but I’m not sure they have had any information because if they have any information, they usually also transmits such information to us at the federal level,” he noted.

    Meanwhile, the Sokoto State government has disclosed its readiness to avert any possible flooding across the state this year.

    The Commissioner for information, Sambo Danchadi, while speaking with one of our correspondents, said the state government, through one of the Sokoto Emergency Management Agency, was working round the clock to maintain a safe environment.

    Also speaking, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Sokoto Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Umar, said the agency had carried out sensitisation and awareness programmes in flood-prone areas.

    He said, “We even had an evacuation plan, the National Emergency Management Agency asked us to submit our plan and designated areas in case of flood and we have collated that and submitted it to them already.

    “We have done a lot in terms of dishing out information to the people and creating awareness for them on dangers involved with flood,” he added.

    Also, the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control said it would continue the task of clearing natural drains within Yenagoa and its environs to mitigate the impact of this year’s flood.

    The chairman of the directorate, Walson Omuso, noted that the chairmen of the Rural Development Authorities were locating higher grounds for the erection of makeshift relief camps.

  • What you need to know about flash floods

    What you need to know about flash floods

    Flash floods are often triggered by intense rainfall or the sudden release of water from reservoirs or dams and pose a serious threat to communities in Nigeria, particularly urban areas grappling with poor drainage systems, deforestation, and rapid construction.

    These floods are characterized by a sudden surge of water, often overwhelming homes, streets, and vehicles.

    Climate change has heightened the threats of flash floods, and Nigeria has experienced shifts in weather patterns, rendering it vulnerable to intense rainfall and consequent flash floods.

    According to the Director-General/CEO of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Clement Nze, the Cameroonian Lagdo dam commenced water release on August 14, 2023, at a rate of 200 cubic meters per second.

    This year’s flood is the worst the country has witnessed IIFile Photo

    Nze explained that although the rate has been reduced to 50 cubic meters per second, the agency remains on high alert as the rainy season persists.

    “Due to the rise in the water levels of River Benue and River Niger, communities along River Benue and River Niger up to Bayelsa state should take precautionary measures,” an advisory issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) Central Hub said.

    With at least 15 out of the country’s 36 states predicted to experience torrential rain, here are proactive steps to take and five ways to prioritise your safety if you find yourself stuck in a flash flood:

    1. Stay Informed: Before venturing out, always check weather forecasts, warnings, and alerts. Pay attention to any flash flood warnings issued by local authorities.
    2. Avoid Walking or Driving Through Floodwaters: Do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters, no matter how shallow they may appear. Also, avoid entering buildings that are flooded or surrounded by floodwaters, as the structure may be compromised, posing a risk of collapse.
    3. Find Shelter on High Ground: Seek shelter in a sturdy building on higher ground and if you cannot find a building, climb to a higher place such as a tree, roof, or hill. Stay where you are once you find a safe location and do not attempt to venture out until the floodwaters have receded. You can signal for help by using a flashlight, waving a cloth, or making noise.
    4. Turn Off Utilities: If at home, turn off electricity and gas at the main switches or valves to prevent accidents during a flood.
    5. Stay Informed About Rescue Operations: Listen to emergency broadcasts or updates to know when it is safe to evacuate or when rescue operations are underway.
  • Heavy downpour submerges homes, streets in Lagos

    Heavy downpour submerges homes, streets in Lagos

    A heavy downpour on Saturday has wreaked havoc across various parts of Lagos state, with several homes and cars submerged and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

    Areas particularly affected include Agege, Ajegunle, Egbeda, Ikotun, Ojo and Orile, where floodwaters covered most drainage channels and surged through streets, highways and residences.

    A viral video showed the road leading to the popular Trade Fair market in Lagos State was equally affected, as pedestrians and motorists waded through the waters.

    Floodwaters surged through streets and residences in Lagos after a heavy downpour on Saturday.

    As of now, it remains uncertain whether there have been any casualties due to the flooding.

    Residents of the affected areas have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for swift and effective intervention to mitigate the damage and provide essential support to the affected populace.

    However, Governor Sanwo-Olu charged residents to stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, stating, “We can change some of our behaviors. When people block drainages, there is no magic—they will be blocked, and there will be flooding.”

    Citing a recent incident in Oshodi, he added: “we had a blocked drainage somewhere around Oshodi, all it took was for us to also remove the tyres and the rest of it, and within 30 minutes, the entire (blockage in the) drain was gone.”

    The territorial coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye, appealed to the residents of Lagos State to take personal safety precautions.

    Farinloye added that NEMA was assisting with provision of children and women wears, mattresses, antiseptic, and other immediate assistance to residents of some of the affected areas.

    Last month, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) gave warning concerning the increased risk of flooding across the country, identifying 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as being at high risk of severe flooding.

    Coastal states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers as well as major cities in the country were foreseen to face challenges related to flash and urban floods.

  • Another round of flooding coming in ember months – Minister warns states

    Following an increase in the volume of flow along River Benue, the Federal Government has advised state governments to prepare against flooding in the coming ember months.

    The advice came from the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, and the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday.

    The Minister said “The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has noted an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97m as of today.

    “This is compared to a flow level of 8.80m on the same date in 2022. Meanwhile, the flow level on the River Niger system remains stable, with the level of the River Niger at Niamey, Niger Republic, standing at a normal level of 4.30m.

    “Reports from inland dams, including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro, also indicate a consistent flow regime,” Utsev said.

    The minister said it was important for states to prepare since the country was already witnessing heavy rainfall.

    He added, “In light of the aforementioned factors, it is imperative for all levels of government – federal, state, and local – to heighten the level of preparedness and deploy appropriate measures to minimise the potential impact of flooding during the peak of the rainy season.

    “There should be sensitisation of the general public by the states on the need for people living along the river banks to relocate to higher grounds during this peak period of rainfall. States and local governments should intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainages and also construct new ones where they do not exist.

    He also advocated for the removal of illegal structures constructed within the floodplains, he urged the general public, especially road users, to desist from walking or driving through any pool of water or flood.

    “As at today, there is no threat to lives and properties, especially those states that are contiguous to Rivers Niger and Benue.”

    On the situation at Lokoja, the minister stated that despite the heightened flow volume along the River Benue system, the flow situation at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers in Lokoja, Kogi State, remained within normal parameters.

    “The flow level at the monitoring station downstream of the confluence records 7.8m today, compared to 8.24m on the same date in 2022.”

     

  • Flooding: FCTA declares Trademore estate disaster area

    Flooding: FCTA declares Trademore estate disaster area

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared Trademore Estate, located at Lugbe area of the FCT, Abuja, a disaster area, following a flood that left the area in ruin on June  23.

    The Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, made the declaration on Tuesday during an assessment visit to the area.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has said that more than 116 houses were submerged at the estate following a heavy downpour.

    “Having seen the extent of the flooding, we hereby declare the Trademore area a disaster zone that needs immediate action to remedy further damages and loss of lives and properties.

    “This is part of steps to address the incessant flooding at the Trademore Estate.

    “I want to assure residents that adequate steps will be taken to forestall further damages to properties and loss of lives to flooding at the Estate.”

    Adesola disclosed that a Taskforce on Flood Mitigation in the FCT, comprised of heads of relevant agencies of the FCT, would assess the situation and make recommendations for remedial actions.

    “The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) who chairs the taskforce on flood mitigation in the FCT is here.

    “The Commissioner of Police and other officials of the FCT, particularly FEMA, Development Control and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board are all here.

    “They saw what we saw, and they are now ready to go and evolve solutions that will immediately address the situation,” he said.

    Adesola, who expressed shock at the level of flooding at the estate also decried development activities in flood prone areas with serious consequences to lives and properties.

    The Permanent Secretary also expressed sadness at the return of people to the affected properties, few days after the flooding disaster, in spite of the dangers of imminent future incidents.

    He vowed that the FCT Administration would not allow the situation to continue.

    “We were quite amazed at the level of flooding that occurred at Trademore. More particularly is the risk that people took to build on such a low-level plain.

    “While on the road, you will see that even the roof of some of the houses are below the road level, which ab initio made them vulnerable to flooding,” he said.

    He assured residents that the FCT Administration would do everything possible within its powers to contain the ugly situation.

    He reminded residents of NIMET predictions for more heavy rains.

    “This means that damages and casualties are imminent, and we have to prevent this,” he said.

    Adesola was accompanied by the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Mr Shehu Hadi; Director Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima; FCT Commissioner of Police, Garba Haruna, and other senior officials of the FCTA.

  • Flooding: FG releases states, local governments on red flag

    Flooding: FG releases states, local governments on red flag

    About 626 local government areas (LGAs)  across the country are prone to flood in 2023, Nigeria’s government has alerted all state governments.

    According to FG, about 80% of the country’s local governments will experience flooding at one point or the other.

    It urged them to start sensitization and mitigating efforts to prevent the impending disaster.

    Speaking at the presentation of the 2023 climate-related disaster preparedness and mitigating strategies in Abuja, the director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Ahmed, said the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) had revealed that a total of 66 local government areas (LGAs) are at high flood risk in the months of April to June; 148 LGAs in July to September and 100 LGAs in the months of October and November.

    He said a total of 41 LGAs fall within the moderate flood risk areas in the months of April to June; 199 LGAs in the months of July to September and 72 LGAs in the months of October and November.

    Ahmed also said this year’s forecast indicates a high risk of coastal flooding due to expected rise in sea level and tidal surge that may negatively impact agriculture, human settlements and transportation in Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos and Rivers states.

    “Flash and urban floods are also forecasted over many cities and towns due to poor drainage systems and the lack of compliance to town planning and environmental regulations.

    “The forecasts have provided many insights into what to expect ahead of this rainy  season. The reality is that this year may witness floods similar to what occurred last year if not more. You may recall that last year’s floods resulted in 665 deaths and injuries to 3,181 persons nationwide.  A total of 4,476,867 persons were affected; 2,437,411 persons displaced, about 944,989 farmlands were damaged and 355,986 houses were partially or totally destroyed by floods,” the director-general stated.

    On ways of mitigating the impact of the flood, NEMA director-general said that since the release of the forecasts, NEMA had continued to engage relevant stakeholders to explore ways to mitigate the risk of the predicted floods and other related hazards throughout the 2023 rainy season.

    “It is in line with this that we are here today to formally present to the public the 2023 Climate-related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies. The objective is to highlight the predictions of the year as contained in SCP and AFO, including associated risks with recommendation of actions required to mitigate against identified hazards and provide appropriate early warning messages for public sensitisation.

    “In NEMA, we believe that early warning must be matched with early action. Therefore, we have written letters and attached this document for dispatch to all the 36 state governments and the FCT administration with specific mention of LGAs at risk and actions that are expected to be taken by responsible authorities.

    “We have also produced flood risk maps of areas at risk and uploaded them on our official website and social media platforms for greater access by the public. NEMA has also commenced public sensitisation through placement of flood early warning jingles, special discussions and advocacy across the states.”

    “Since the release of the forecasts, NEMA has continued to engage relevant stakeholders to explore ways to mitigate against the risk of the predicted floods and other related hazards throughout the 2023 rainy season.

    “It is in line with this that we are here today to formally present to the public the 2023 Climate-related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies. The objective is to highlight the predictions of the year as contained in SCP and AFO including associated risks with recommendation of actions required to mitigate against identified hazards and provide appropriate early warning messages for public sensitization.

    “In NEMA, we believe that early warning must be matched with early action. Therefore, we have written letters and attached this document for dispatch to all the 36 state governments and the FCT administration with specific mention of LGAs at risk and actions that are expected to be taken by responsible authorities.

    “We have also produced flood risk maps of areas at risk and uploaded on our official website and social media platforms for greater access by the public. NEMA has also commenced public sensitization through placement of flood early warning jingles, special discussions and advocacy across the states.

    “From the foregoing, it is important to emphasize that it is our desire that early warning alerts are matched with appropriate early actions especially at the community level.

    “State Governments that are yet to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in their respective local government areas are encouraged to do so. Let me also advise the public to imbibe attitudinal change towards disaster risk reduction and take serious all advisories released by relevant authorities,” the director general said.

     

  • Expect another severe flooding, NEMA warns

    Expect another severe flooding, NEMA warns

    The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Ahmed, says Nigeria will be witnessing severe flooding this year as indicated by predictions from relevant agencies.

    He made the disclosure at a two-day Experts’ Technical Meeting on 2023 Climate Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Ahmed noted that there had been seasonal climate predictions and annual flood outlooks by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

    He said that the flood disaster in 2022 was an eye-opener, adding that the agency would spread early warning messages to states and Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The director-general said that the meeting would focus on the development of vulnerability and risk mapping to be used as a guide to avert a repeat of last year’s severe flooding.

    “We have started early this year, as we are ready for early warning and early action.

    “We will bombard every citizen, state and local government with this information as we want them to know that it is serious.

    “We will not keep quiet. We want them to know that there will be flood this year,’’ he said.

    Ahmed urged that those living around water channels and flood plains should take precaution.

    The Director-General of NIHSA, Mr Clement Nze, said that 178 LGAs in 32 states and the FCT had been predicted to experience severe flooding in 2023.

    “This time, we came out early with this prediction and we expect that relevant actors, governments and individuals will go to work.

    “We expect that actions should be taken, especially at the sub-national levels, early enough, to mitigate the impact of flooding in the country,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting had in attendance participants from NiMet, Nigeria Red Cross, Federal Ministry of Environment and National Orientation Agency, among others.

  • Flooding: Nigeria’s out-of-school children increase by 1.5 million

    Flooding: Nigeria’s out-of-school children increase by 1.5 million

    Deadly floods have submerged communities in Nigeria, killed over 600 persons and displaced over a million people after the government failed to act on earlier warnings, posing a setback for the country’s education target as schools are forced to shutdown.

    The government of Anambra and Bayelsa states explained that the closure of both public and private schools became necessary to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.

    In June, the Nigerian government launched a Human Capital Development (HCD) strategic plan where it highlighted key targets for the education sector, including reducing the number of out-of-school-children by 70 per cent before 2030.

    The HCD strategy aims to promote a quality, inclusive and functional education system and build the capacity of youths to create or seek employment, as part of measures to address poverty and ensure participatory and sustainable economic growth.

    An investigation carried out by Thenewsguru.com (TNG) three months ago, reported that there were about 18.5 million out-of-school-children in Nigeria, but this figure has now increased by 1.5 million, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

    The new UNESCO data shows that 20 million out of the estimated 98 million out-of-school-children in sub-Saharan Africa, are in Nigeria, the highest in the region, leading countries like Ethiopia with 10.5 million, the Democratic Republic of Congo (5.9million) and Kenya (1.8million).

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) recently called off it eight months strike action, but may students are unable to resume school as a result of the floods which have blocked access roads and hiked cost of transportation.

    Students of the Federal University Otuoke, are yet to resume school more than one week after the strike was called off by ASUU, as a result of the flood which has affected major roads leading to the institution.

    In an internal memo signed by the Registrar
    Yousou Donal Iruo, sighted by our reporter, the school will be open for on-premises lectures on November 20th, even though lecturers have been directed to commence online interface with students via zoom.

    “Senate in its 80th (Emergency) Meeting took cognizance of the precarious in Bayelsa State and scheduled completion of 2020/2021 academic session.

    “Lecturers are directed to commence online interface with students (via Zoom) for completion of remaining lectures, project supervision and revision, pending the approved week of physical interaction and continuous assessment,” the notice stated.

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, directed the Minister of Water Resources to lead and coordinate with the Ministries of Environment and Transportation as well as State Governments to develop a Comprehensive Plan of Action for preventing future flood disaster within the next 90 days.

    The directive comes a day after an advocacy group, Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged the government to respond to the impacts of the flooding, and climate change.

    In a statement, SERAP expressed concern that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of Ecological Fund and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined the ability of governments to prevent the impact of flooding on the human rights of socio-economically vulnerable Nigerians, and to effectively respond to the problem.

    “Allegations of corruption and mismanagement have undermined the ability of authorities at all levels to invest in drainage systems, and to tackle soil erosion and climate change challenges across several parts of the country,” the statement said.

    The Nigerian Government has also been advised to explore Public Private Partnership, in the dredging of the two major rivers – Niger and Benue – in Nigeria and construction of dams that will mitigate the impact when excess water is released from Lagdo Dam in Cameron. resolving the perennial flooding disaster facing the country.

     

  • Lagbo Dam not responsible, FG reveals cause of flooding

    Lagbo Dam not responsible, FG reveals cause of flooding

    The Federal Government has said that water from the Lagbo Dam in Cameroon is not responsible for the flooding that has devastated parts of Nigeria.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, stated this at the 2023 budget defence of the ministry in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He cleared the notion that the water resulting in the flooding is from Lagbo Dam, saying that the inflow from the dam to Nigeria is only one per cent.

    “Yes the dam releases water; sometimes it releases water without notice and when they do that, it has impact on communities downstream.

    “It is not the main reason you have flood in this country.

    “The tributaries of river benue are the main cause. And this year, the rains have been unprecedented.

    “The trans-boundary water that even comes into this country from Rivers Niger and Benue constitutes only 20 per cent of the fresh water that flows into the country.

    “Eighty per cent of the flood is water we are blessed with from the sky falling on Mambila and Jos Plateau.

    “Most of this flow is from Nigeria,” he said.

    However, the minister said that the Federal Government is not often informed by the Cameroonian Government on the annual release of water from Lagbo Dam.

    “It took a lot of effort for us for them to sign an MoU to be informing Nigeria about releases.

    “It was signed in 2016. Since then, every year , when the flood season comes it is the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency that calls them to know their level of water.

    “We can not blame the flood this year on Cameroon. We can only blame them for violating the terms of the MoU,” he said.

    Adamu further said that government would call for a review of the MoU.

    On the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa which could serve as a solution to flooding, Adamu said that “whether we are able to do the dam or not, we will continue to have floods on the Rivers Niger and Benue Basins.

    “There was a consultant that had been appointed by the previous administration to work on this dam.

    “When I came into office, I checked the scope of work and the terms of reference. I was not satisfied that justice will be done to that design.

    “You can not build a dam as important and strategic as Dasin Hausa on River Benue without a detailed feasibility and engineering design.

    “I disengaged the consultant in 2016. It was one of the 116 projects that we had.”

    He, however, expressed optimism that by March 2023, the dam would be completed.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Bello Mandiya, had urged the ministry to find lasting solution to flooding around the country.