The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has announced the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon into the River Niger and River Benue in Nigeria’s North Central region.
NIHSA has urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate immediately to safer locations in anticipation of potential floods. Director General Umar Mohammed issued this warning during a broadcast, explaining that the water release is being managed in stages in coordination with Cameroonian authorities to reduce the risk of flooding across 11 vulnerable states.
The affected states are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
Represented by the Director of Operations and Hydrology, Femi Bejide, Mohammed explained that the dam’s water release began on Wednesday, with measures in place to regulate the flow and prevent major flooding. Despite these precautions, he emphasized the need for personal responsibility, urging those in floodplains to ensure clear drainages and take preventive measures.
The release follows recent flooding from the Alau Dam, which resulted in over 30 deaths and significant destruction in Maiduguri, Borno State. Past floods in 2022 caused widespread devastation, and in 2024, floods have affected over 1 million people, displaced 625,239, and resulted in 259 fatalities, according to NEMA.
NIHSA has also submitted a report to the Presidency recommending long-term solutions, including de-silting Nigeria’s dams to better manage water flow.