The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent warning about increasing water levels in the River Niger system. The Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, stated that flooding risks are expected to peak by the end of August and into September.
NIHSA’s warning comes as floodwaters from upstream activities in Niger and Mali, reported by the Niger Basin Authority, are gradually moving towards Nigeria, beginning with Kebbi. The agency has alerted dam operators at Kainji and Jebba on the River Niger, though these dams are currently not spilling water from their reservoirs.
The agency urges states and communities along the River Niger to remain vigilant and assured that they will provide regular updates. Historical data from the World Economic Forum highlights that Nigeria experienced its most devastating seasonal floods in 2012, which caused over 600 deaths and displaced 1.3 million people.