ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a public warning regarding flooding that will follow the planned release of water from the Lagdo Dam in northern Cameroon, which is expected to affect 11 states along the Benue River.
The announcement, made by Umar Muhammed, the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, comes as Cameroon prepares to begin controlled water discharges from the dam.
According to the statement, the release from the Lagdo Dam began on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, starting at a rate of 100 cubic meters per second (m³/s), equivalent to approximately 8.64 million cubic meters of water per day.
Depending on inflows from the upstream Garoua River, the flow is expected to gradually increase to 1,000 m³/s over the next week.
The gradual release is designed to avoid overwhelming the Benue River system and prevent severe flooding downstream in Nigeria.
The NIHSA has called for vigilance from states that border the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
These states are urged to implement flood preparedness measures to mitigate any potential damage.
While major flooding is not currently expected, as water levels in the Benue River remain within cautionary limits, the agency emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and readiness.
“The controlled release of water from the Lagdo Dam is a necessary step to avoid overwhelming the river system, but vigilance is still required from states along the Benue River,” NIHSA said in its statement.
The Lagdo Dam, situated on the Benue River, has long been a source of concern for Nigeria due to its potential to cause severe flooding downstream when water is released.
This year’s controlled release is part of an effort to manage the inflow of water and avoid flooding disasters.
However, Nigerian authorities and citizens remain cautious, as past releases have caused significant damage in affected states.
Just last week, Borno State experienced devastating flooding, resulting in over 30 deaths and displacing more than a million residents.
The risk of similar incidents underscores the importance of preparation and coordinated responses from government agencies and communities.
NIHSA has assured the public that it will continue to monitor water levels in both the Benue and other inland rivers across Nigeria, providing regular updates to avert any potential flood disasters.
