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Tag: Lagdo Dam

  • Flood scare: FG speaks on release of water from Lagdo Dam

    Flood scare: FG speaks on release of water from Lagdo Dam

    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.

  • Dasin Hausa dam: FG’s accelerated plans encouraging, ICRC reports

    Dasin Hausa dam: FG’s accelerated plans encouraging, ICRC reports

    The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), says plans are ongoing to fast-track construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

    A statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, on Thursday in Abuja, said this was the focus of a meeting between the Commission, Ministry of Water Resources and Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited.

    Nwoko said the long-overdue project would serve as a buffer against the devastating floods caused by excess water released from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    He said the Dasin Hausa Dam, which was originally planned in the 1980s to complement Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, had remained stalled for over 40 years.

    According to him, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, efforts are now ongoing to fast-track its construction through a PPP.

    He quoted the Director-General (D-G) of ICRC, Dr Johnson Ewalefoh, as saying, “ the objective of the meeting is to assess progress since the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signing.

    Ewalefoh said the meeting was also to review commitments by both parties, address regulatory concerns, and receive updates on the project’s implementation timeline and challenges.

    “This meeting is a major step towards ensuring the dam’s swift and successful execution.”

    He expressed confidence that all processes leading to the dam’s construction would be expedited with. Tinubu’s strong support for infrastructure development and PPPs.

    The D-G said when completed, the Multi-Purpose Dam would mitigate the flooding caused by the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    “The completion of Dasin Hausa Dam is not just about stopping floods, it is about securing our future.

    “Every year, we watch helplessly as floodwaters from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam destroy homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.

    “With this dam, we can finally control the floods, protect communities, and save billions of Naira in damages.”

    Ewelafoh said the project would also generate more than 300 megawatts of electricity, boost industries, and create thousands of jobs.

    He said the dam would also provide a source for irrigation farming for Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue states, covering over 150,000 hectares of farmlands.

    “Imagine the transformation of year-round irrigation for farmers, abundant food production, stable water supply, and improved inland waterways.

    “This dam is the key to unlocking economic prosperity for Taraba and the entire country.

    “ We have delayed long enough, and the cost of inaction has been devastating. It’s time to build the Dasin Hausa Dam and change Nigeria’s story forever,” he said.

    The D-G said currently, a pre-feasibility study had been completed, and stakeholders had requested an extended study to address areas that were not initially covered.

    Mr Zacheus Akinjogbin, Head PPP Unit, Ministry of Water Resources assured stakeholders that the ministry was taking concrete steps to see the project through to completion.

    Mr Lamu Audu, an Engineer and Managing Director, Mainstream Energy Solutions, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government and mobilising private-sector funds and expertise to complete the project.

    Audu said several international financiers, donour agencies, and the World Bank had already expressed strong interest in supporting the dam’s completion.

    The meeting ended with stakeholders agreeing to set clear timelines for resolving outstanding issues, ensuring that the project moved forward swiftly at the Ministry of Water Resources.

  • BREAKING: FG sounds alarm as Cameroon ‘opens’ Lagdo Dam

    BREAKING: FG sounds alarm as Cameroon ‘opens’ Lagdo Dam

    The federal government of Nigeria has disclosed that the management of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is set to release water from the reservoir, beginning from today 17th September, 2023. The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) made the disclosure on behalf of the government.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lagdo Dam is a reservoir, covering an area of 586 km sq, located in the Northern Province of Cameroon on the Benue River in the Niger basin.

    According to the NIHSA, States that are susceptible to be affected by the release of water from the Lagdo Dam are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers.

    The States have been advised to step up vigilance and deploy adequate preparedness measures to reduce possible impacts of flooding that may occur as a result of increase in flow levels of the major rivers in the country as a result of the release of the water.

    Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja, Director General of NIHSA, Mr Umar Mohammed, stated that “following an official communication from the dam’s management, the water release will gradually increase over the next seven days”.

    According to him, the initial release rate is set at 100 cubic meters per second (approximately 8.64 million cubic meters per day) starting Sept. 17, 2024, with  potential increase to 1,000 cubic meters per second.

    He noted that the final rate will depend on inflows from the upstream Garoua River, the primary source of the reservoir, which also feeds into the Benue River, a key waterway in Nigeria.

    “The release will be regulated to ensure that water levels do not exceed the capacity of the Benue River system, preventing major flooding in downstream areas of Nigeria,” he added.

    He reassured the public that measures are in place to control the flow and reduce flooding risk, with the release stopping once inflows to the Lagdo reservoir is manageable. He emphasised that there is no immediate cause for alarm, as water levels along the Benue River remain within safe limits.

    He urged heightened vigilance from states bordering the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers. He called on both federal and state governments, as well as local authorities, to prepare adequately for any potential rise in water levels to mitigate the risk of flooding.

    Mohammed also assured the public that “NIHSA will continue to monitor river flow levels closely and provide regular updates to prevent emergencies.”

    Recall that recently, the Niger Basin Authority has also warned of rising water levels in the River Niger, urging States along the river to remain on high alert for possible flooding.

  • NEMA raises alarm, lists 9 States to experience massive flood

    NEMA raises alarm, lists 9 States to experience massive flood

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Nigerians to expect floods in nine States as Cameroon began the release of water from its Lagdo Dam.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the nine States are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.

    Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director General, NEMA, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja when he briefed newsmen on the release of water from the dam.

    He said that the nine affected States which had communities along the banks of River Benue may be affected by the water release, which is expected to last till the end of October.

    Ahmed said that the recent release had led to the displacement of communities and could lead to further destruction of crops and other infrastructure.

    “NEMA has been alerted on sudden increased inundation of riverine communities and farmlands along the banks of River Niger in Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states in the past 48 hours.

    “The sudden situation is attributed to the rapid release of water from Lagdo fam in the Republic of Cameroon and has resulted in the displacement of several inhabitants of the affected communities.

    “Furthermore, crops, lands and valuable infrastructure are at risk of getting washed away by the flood waters.

    “Situation reports from Adamawa State confirmed the upsurge of flood waters along the flood plains of River Benue.

    “The situation is expected to be replicated in downstream states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa as the River Benue joins River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta,” he said.

    The director general also cautioned states and local government areas along the River Niger and Benue Basins to immediately activate their emergency response plans to avert potential damage and losses that could arise due to the flooding of communities.

    Ahmed added that, so far, 159,157 persons had been affected by this year’s flooding, as 28 persons had lost their lives and 48,168 individuals displaced in 13 states across the country.

    He, however, added that the agency would continue to provide further updates as it received more situation reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as well as frontline states’ emergency management agencies.

  • Lagdo dam: Remain calm, NEMA urges Nigerians as NISHA reveals 8.97m water flow level

    Lagdo dam: Remain calm, NEMA urges Nigerians as NISHA reveals 8.97m water flow level

    In preparation for possible flood disasters this year, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged citizens to be calm, this is despite the 8.97 metres flow level as revealed by the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA).

    According to NEMA, compared to the 2022 flow level which was pegged at 8.80 meters, the level this year has recorded an increase of 17 metres.

    With the increasing concerns of the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon,, the NISHA had provided that the flow level of River Niger system, especially at Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters and similarly, inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shuroro reported consistent flow regimes.

    In readiness to the effect, the Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, has said to cushion the effect of the flood, de-escalation of early warning messages to states; TV and radio appearances; TV and radio jingles and issuing press releases, clearing of drainages, readiness to embark on rescue mission, among others have been planned.

    The NEMA Boss at a stakeholders’ meeting on the release of water from the dam, assured that the country has commenced release of water from the Dam at the rate of 200 cubic meters per second which is about 18 million cubic meter of water per day.

    According to him, the release from Lagdo may result to all front line states experiencing flooding in subsequent days and weeks.

    He added that it was of great importance to also note that the Dam might commence full discharge of excess water in the event that the region experiences heavy amount of rainfall.

    “Coordination is a vital component of disaster management which needs to be given adequate attention to ensure timely and efficient response.

    “To ensure effective coordination and implementation of various policies therefore, the agency has dimmed it fit to invite critical stakeholders to this Forum to deliberate on how to respond and mitigate the impeding flood we are currently being faced with, in Nigeria.

    “The 2012 flood menace caused by the release of water from the Dam, which ravaged many state within the country will not be easily forgotten. You will recall that the 2022 flood disaster claimed 665 lives, displaced 2,437,411 persons and affected 4,476,867 persons.

    “We have already started experiencing flood in some parts of the country this year with the rainfall. The release from the Lagdo Dam will only worsen the flood situation and therefore calls for concerted effort so as to address and mitigate the impact.

    “Information available from the flow level of the River Benue at Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) gauging station in Makurdi stood at 8.97 meters as of August 25th, 2023, compared to 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.

    “NIHSA has provided that the flow level of River Niger system, especially at Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters. Similarly, inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro reported consistent flow regimes”.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports that states on the downstream of River Benue are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States.

  • Lagdo Dam: NEMA lists States likely to be flooded

    Lagdo Dam: NEMA lists States likely to be flooded

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said that Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra states are likely to be flooded, following the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, NEMA, who disclosed this at the National Emergency Coordination Forum meeting, on Wednesday in Abuja said others include Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states  .

    He said that the states, located at the downstream, must begin to take concerted effort to address and mitigate the impact of the impending flooding.

    According to him, the meeting was necessitated by the notification received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the modulated release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    He said that the country had commenced release of water from the Dam at the rate of 200 cubic meters per second which is about 18 million cubic meter of water per day.

    He said that the release may result to all frontline states experiencing flooding in subsequent days and weeks.

    “The states on the downstream of River Benue are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

    “Information available from the the flow level of the River Benue at Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) gauging station at Makurdi stood at 8.97 meters as of Aug. 25, 2023 compared to 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.

    “Also, NIHSA has provided that the flow level of River Niger system, especially at Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters.

    “Similarly, inland dams including Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro reported consistent flow regimes,” he said.

    The director-general added that immediate evacuation of Nigerians from various communities to safer destinations should be carried out by all stakeholders to mitigate possible flood disaster this year.

    He however called on Nigerians to remain calm as the agency would continue to work with bother government partners to provide succour including food and non-food items to affected people in the IDPs camps and host communities.

    Earlier, Dr Onimode Bandele, Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting, NEMA, said that the meeting was convened to update and discuss with stakeholders from various sectors on the issues around the release of water from Lagdo Dam and the present flood situation in the country.

    He said that it was important to solicit their meaningful contribution in other to chart the way forward to address possible challenges, prepare, mitigate and respond to humanitarian issues that the water release may cause.

    In his remarks, Mr Clement Nze, Director-General, NIHSA, said it was important to deploy high level of preparedness on the part of the federal and state governments, especially in the likely affected states

    He added that citizens, including all agencies and stakeholders charged with disaster response and reduction must step up action and put in place measures to mitigate and avert eventual flood disaster.

  • Flood scare heightened as agency confirms release of excess water from Lagdo Dam

    Flood scare heightened as agency confirms release of excess water from Lagdo Dam

    Apprehension over impending flood in Nigeria has been further heightened as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has confirmed Cameroonian authorities have commenced the release of excess water from Lagdo Dam.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Director General of NIHSA, Mr Clement Nze confirmed the development at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, but stressed there was no cause for alarm or apprehension of possible flooding in Nigeria.

    Mr Nze noted that flood occurrences in major parts of the city and coastal areas were largely due to excessive rainfall and flash flooding, which he ascribed to climate change.

    He said severe flooding with attendant damage and deaths could be minimised when relevant authorities took responsibility for preparedness, and ensured that people don’t build on flood plains.

    TNG reports every year, neighbouring Cameroon, which runs along the length of Nigeria’s eastern border, releases water from Lagdo dam in northern Cameroon, causing flooding downstream in Nigeria.

    It may be recalled that at the time of the dam’s construction, in the 1980s, the two countries agreed that a twin dam would be built on the Nigerian side to contain the overflow, but the second one was never realised.

    According to Nze, the release of excess water from the Lagdo dam was a normal reservoir operation to forestall the possible collapse of the dam.

    He said water releases are integral to safeguarding dam integrity and mitigating flooding in adjacent communities.

    “The Lagdo dam is located on the Benue River in the Niger Basin. The Cameroonian authorities commenced the release of excess water from Lagdo Dam by 10.10 am on August 14, 2023.

    “The release of water from the Dam commenced at the rate of 200 cubic metres per second, which is about 18 million cubic metres of water per day.

    “By 25th August 2023, the water releases from the reservoir has reduced to 50 cubic metres per second, which is a normal reservoir operation and far negligible to cause any flooding downstream.

    “However, by 5.16 pm yesterday, 28th Aug., 2023, the Hydrologist in-charge of the Dam notified the Director General of NIHSA that they stopped spilling water by 11.00am that same yesterday”.

    The director general said the agency would continue to monitor water flows in rivers Niger and Benue, saying readings by the agency showed no threat of floods.

    He said NIHSA was saddled with the responsibility to provide data for sustainable management of the nation’s vast surface and underground water resources, in partnership with key stakeholders.

    He urged states to complement Federal Government’s efforts by sensitising their populace on flood disaster prevention, saying FG cannot do it alone.

    He also called on states to clean up their drainage systems, construct more, and sanction those flouting the building codes, saying this was necessary to prevent disasters.

    Speaking on the Dasin Hausa dam in Adamawa state, which was meant to be a buffer dam to prevent floods whenever Lagdo dam releases excess water, Nze said its study and design had been completed.

    He said the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation had contacted the consultants, adding that procurement would commence in no distant time.

    On dredging of rivers Niger and Benue to curtail excessive flooding, the director general said it was an expensive venture and would require desilting, saying if done properly, it would recharge groundwater in many locations.

    Lagdo Dam: FG urges frontline States to start evacuating Nigerians

    Earlier, the Federal Government had advised State governments in frontline areas to take necessary measures towards mitigating the potential impact Lagdo Dam floodgate.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu, gave the advice while issuing a flood warning alert during a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Coordination and Implementation in Abuja.

    Edu said the call became necessary following the alert by the Cameroonian authorities to release the water from the country’s Lagdo Dam.

    The minister who spoke at the instance of the Minister of Water Resources and that of Environment expressed the need for effective implementation of policies and rescue missions aimed at mitigating against the impacts of the flooding.

    Edu while acknowledging the State Government’s zeal in tackling emergencies, urged them to ensure immediate evacuation of Nigerians living in flood front areas to safer destinations.

    ”State Governments have done quite a number of preparedness, we also appeal to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on the need to step up actions by ensuring immediate evacuation of Nigerians from various communities to safer destinations.

    ”Lagdo Dam floodgate has been opened by the Cameroonian authorities and that all the frontline States may experience flooding within the next seven days” she said.

    She also pledged the readiness of the Ministry to work with Subnational and Local Governments towards  providing shelters for the affected Citizens.

    ”Because, some of the people living in most of the communities who may be affected are afraid of losing their ancestral homes, despite the warning” she said.

    She therefore assured Nigerians on the resolve of President Tinubu-led administration to put necessary measures in place to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako said the ministry has already activated the necessary flood warning alerts being release on hourly basis.

    ”Especially, on the water level of River Benue and River Niger as well as vulnerability level of the affected areas” he said.

    Salako also said, the ministry has designed a veritable platform that will provide regular and real time information to Environmental Corespondents on the floor warning alerts without waiting for the Ministry.

    He noted that recommendations on long term measures and solutions will be presented to Mr. President as part of ongoing efforts towards finding lasting solution to the menace of flooding.

    He also reiterated the resolve of the present administration towards working with Cameroon authorities towards ensuring that the impacts of the release of Lagdo Dam floodgate do not result to loss of lives and property as well as ensure that the damages are minimized.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, tasked Nigerians on the need to take necessary steps toward clearing drainages while government at all levels play their roles.

    Utsev assured Nigerians that his ministry will on the long run ensure construction of dams as well as dredging of Rivers across the country with the view to end the menace of annual flooding, which has led to loss of several lives and property.

    He also noted that the Ministry is already meeting with relevant stakeholders at various levels in the bid to control the waters.

    The committee also assured Nigerians of its resolve to provide necessary medical support to Nigerians who may be affected by the flooding, including scourge of malaria and other water borne diseases.

    TNG reports 32 states and the FCT, which are within the Highly Probable Flood Risks Areas include; Adamawa, Abia, Akwa- Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti and Edo.

    Others are Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, as well as Zamfara and the FCT.

  • Edo Govt sounds alarm over impending flood

    Edo Govt sounds alarm over impending flood

    The Edo Government said it has taken proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of the opening of the Lagdo Dam floodgates.

    The State government also said it has reinforced its Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps ahead of the anticipated flooding.

    The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare, who gave the assurance, however  advised residents in lowlands and riverine areas in the state to relocate to higher planes.

    The call followed Federal Government’s recent advice that state governments in frontline areas should take necessary measures toward mitigating the potential impact of the Lagdo Dam floodgates opening.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Dr Betta Edu, gave the advice while issuing flood warning alert during a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Coordination and Implementation, in Abuja.

    A statement by Nehikhare on Tuesday in Benin, listed the communities alerted by Edo Government to include Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA), Anegbete in Etsako Central LGA and Illushi in Esan South East LGA.

    Also alerted are riverine areas in Ikpoba Okha LGA, Ovia North-East LGA and Ovia South-West LGA.

    Nehikhare said: “Edo State Government has been informed that the authorities of Lagdo Dam of the Republic of Cameroon would be releasing modulated amounts of water into River Benue due to flooding caused by incessant torrential downpour.

    “Residents in lowlands and riverine areas including those in Agenebode, Anegbete and Ilullshi of Etsako East, Etsako Central and Esan South East local government areas, respectively, are hereby put on notice to be vigilant and relocate to a higher plain.

    “Areas in Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West are also put on alert.

    “ Edo State Government will provide support to those displaced from their homes by the rising water level occasioned by the overflow of the River Benue.

    “Because we know this is going to happen, we had to move quickly to ensure that our internally-displaced persons camps are in  good state and the residents adequately briefed and sensitised.”

  • Lagdo Dam: FG urges States to start evacuating Nigerians

    Lagdo Dam: FG urges States to start evacuating Nigerians

    The Federal Government has advised state governments in frontline areas to take necessary measures towards mitigating the potential impact Lagdo Dam floodgate.

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu, gave the advice while issuing flood warning alert during meeting of Presidential Committee on coordination and implementation in Abuja.

    Edu said, the call became necessary following an alert by the Cameroonian authorities to release the water from the country’s Lagdo Dam.

    The minister who spoke at the instance of the Minister of Water Resources and that of Environment expressed the need for effective implementation of policies and rescue missions aimed at mitigating against the impacts of the flooding.

    Edu while acknowledging the State Government’s zeal in tackling emergencies, urged them to ensure immediate evacuation of Nigerians living in flood front areas to safer destinations.

    ”State Governments have done quite a number of preparedness, we also appeal to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on the need to step up actions by ensuring immediate evacuation of Nigerians from various communities to safer destinations.

    ”Lagdo Dam floodgate has been opened by the Cameroonian authorities and that all the frontline States may experience flooding within the next seven days” she said.

    She also pledged the readiness of the Ministry to work with Subnational and Local Governments towards  providing shelters for the affected Citizens.

    ”Because, some of the people living in most of the communities who may be affected are afraid of losing their ancestral homes, despite the warning” she said.

    She therefore assured Nigerians on the resolve of President Tinubu-led administration to put necessary measures in place to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako said the ministry has already activated the necessary flood warning alerts being release on hourly basis.

    ”Especially, on the water level of River Benue and River Niger as well as vulnerability level of the affected areas” he said.

    Salako also said, the ministry has designed a veritable platform that will provide regular and real time information to Environmental Corespondents on the floor warning alerts without waiting for the Ministry.

    He noted that recommendations on long term measures and solutions will be presented to Mr. President as part of ongoing efforts towards finding lasting solution to the menace of flooding.

    He also reiterated the resolve of the present administration towards working with Cameroon authorities towards ensuring that the impacts of the release of Lagdo Dam floodgate do not result to loss of lives and property as well as ensure that the damages are minimized.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, tasked Nigerians on the need to take necessary steps toward clearing drainages while government at all levels play their roles.

    Utsev assured Nigerians that his ministry will on the long run ensure construction of dams as well as dredging of Rivers across the country with the view to end the menace of annual flooding, which has led to loss of several lives and property.

    He also noted that the Ministry is already meeting with relevant stakeholders at various levels in the bid to control the waters.

    The committee also assured Nigerians of its resolve to provide necessary medical support to Nigerians who may be affected by the flooding, including scourge of malaria and other water borne diseases.

    The Cameroonian authorities said they will open the dam “in days ahead, due to heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in Northern part of the country.

    A letter dated Aug. 21, 2023, and signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs ministry by Umar Salisu, Director, African Affairs, addressed to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NENA).

    The letter noted that “ it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of lagdo dam will be releasing on modulated variable mall amount of water at a time, in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin both Cameroon and in Nigeria.

  • Lagdo Dam: Lagos fully prepared for flooding – LASEMA

    Lagdo Dam: Lagos fully prepared for flooding – LASEMA

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says it is prepared for the flood opening as  Cameroun is set to open the flood gates of Lagdo Dam on the Benue River.

    The LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr  Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement on Monday,  said the agency was fully prepared for the flood opening.

    “In line with the paradigm shift from response to effective and efficient disaster management ,preparedness and prevention, the state  has carried out holistic measures.

    “This holistic measures include the sensitisation and advocacy in historically affected areas and empowerment of local emergency management committees.

    “This also includes strengthening of the early warning systems and clearing of drainage and gutters at the state and local government area  levels.

    “We remain at high alert with improved infrastructure to manage any imminent challenges,” he said.

    He, however, appealed to residents to remain calm.

    Recalled that there had been alert over a possible flood along the River Benue basin in a few days.

    The alert was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a letter dated Aug. 21,  and signed by Umar Salisu, the ministry’s Director of African Affairs.