FG Announces Gradual Release of Water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam to Prevent Severe Flooding in Nigeria

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has notified the public about the impending gradual release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. The move is aimed at preventing significant flooding in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, indicated that water will be released at a controlled rate to minimize any potential flood risk.

Mohammed urged states such as Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Cross River, and Rivers to take measures to mitigate the possible effects of the released water.

He explained:

“The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to inform the public that the Lagdo Dam authorities in Cameroon have communicated their intention to begin releasing water at a controlled rate of 100 cubic meters per second (m³/s), equating to 8.64 million cubic meters per day, starting from September 17, 2024.

The water discharge rate is expected to gradually increase to 1000 m³/s over the next seven days, depending on the inflow from the Garoua River, which feeds the reservoir and contributes to the Benue River.

However, the dam management has assured that the release will be regulated to prevent exceeding the Benue River’s capacity and avoid severe downstream flooding in Nigeria. The process will cease once a noticeable reduction in water inflow from the reservoir is observed.

There is no immediate cause for concern, as significant flooding is not expected downstream, with current water levels in the River Benue remaining within safe limits.

Nonetheless, states along the River Benue system—Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers—are strongly advised to heighten vigilance and implement flood preparedness measures at all levels of government to mitigate potential impacts caused by increased water levels during this period.”

NIHSA also assured that it will continue monitoring the situation along the River Benue and other major inland rivers, providing regular updates to help prevent any future flood disasters.