The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), has issued a flood warning to 11 states following the announcement that Cameroon will begin releasing water from the Lagdo Dam into Nigeria. NIHSA’s Director-General, Umar Mohammed, revealed that the regulated water releases would start on September 17.
In a statement on Tuesday, NIHSA noted that water discharge from the dam is expected to increase gradually, reaching 1000 cubic meters per second (m³/s) over the next seven days. This discharge is primarily driven by inflows from the upstream Garoua River, which feeds into the Lagdo reservoir and is a significant tributary to the Benue River.
However, Mohammed reassured the public that the water releases would be gradual to avoid overwhelming the Benue River’s capacity, which could lead to major flooding. The release is expected to end once inflows into the Lagdo reservoir decrease, reducing the risk of flooding downstream.
While the flow levels along the Benue River remain within cautionary limits, NIHSA urged residents of 11 states bordering the Benue River system—Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers—to remain vigilant. Authorities at all levels are also advised to take proactive measures to mitigate potential flood risks.
NIHSA assured Nigerians that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates on the flow conditions of the Benue River and other major rivers across the country to prevent flood disasters.
